Select one film, TV series, TV episode, book, etc., that contains some sort of myth, urban legend, cryptid, horror combination. For this selected project, please complete a 4-5 page, double-spaced, 12 font analysis

 

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Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell. 

In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.

God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.

Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.

To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.

 

References

Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.

Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

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Analysis of the TV Series “Supernatural”

Introduction

“Supernatural” is a popular TV series that delves into the realm of myths, urban legends, cryptids, and horror elements. With its captivating storytelling and well-developed characters, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. This analysis will explore how “Supernatural” effectively combines these different elements to create a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.

Thesis Statement

Through its clever integration of myths, urban legends, cryptids, and horror themes, “Supernatural” not only entertains audiences but also offers insightful commentary on human nature and the unknown.

Mythological Elements

One of the key strengths of “Supernatural” lies in its use of various mythological elements from different cultures. The show draws inspiration from diverse mythologies, including Norse, Greek, and Judeo-Christian beliefs, to create a rich tapestry of supernatural beings and phenomena. By weaving these myths into its narrative, “Supernatural” explores timeless themes such as destiny, fate, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Urban Legends and Cryptids

In addition to traditional myths, “Supernatural” also incorporates urban legends and cryptids into its storytelling. The Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, often encounter creatures from folklore and urban myths, such as the Mothman, Wendigo, and Bloody Mary. By bringing these legends to life on screen, the show taps into our primal fears and fascinations with the unknown, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Horror Themes

As a horror-themed series, “Supernatural” excels in creating a sense of dread and suspense through its atmospheric storytelling and chilling visuals. The show explores a wide range of horror tropes, from haunted houses and demonic possessions to ghostly apparitions and cosmic entities. By immersing viewers in a world filled with supernatural threats, “Supernatural” keeps audiences on the edge of their seats while delivering thought-provoking narratives.

Commentary on Human Nature

Beyond its entertainment value, “Supernatural” also offers insightful commentary on human nature and morality. The Winchester brothers grapple with complex ethical dilemmas as they navigate a world rife with monsters and malevolent forces. Through their struggles, the show explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the enduring power of family bonds. By confronting the darkness within themselves and others, Sam and Dean Winchester embody the eternal struggle between light and shadow that resonates with viewers on a profound level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Supernatural” stands out as a compelling TV series that skillfully combines myths, urban legends, cryptids, and horror themes to create a riveting narrative that captivates audiences. By drawing from diverse mythologies and folklore, the show offers a fresh take on familiar stories while delving into universal themes that resonate with viewers. Through its exploration of human nature and morality, “Supernatural” transcends its genre trappings to deliver a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of existence. As fans eagerly await each new episode, it is clear that the legacy of “Supernatural” will endure as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in all its supernatural glory.

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