Analysis and critical evaluation (ACE) assignments demonstrate your ability to analyze, evaluate and relate films to material we are reading in the course. They require that you think more deeply about the film and our readings, develop your skills at generating arguments and encourage you to think independently. For guidance on completing an ACE assignment for a film see ACE Film Guidance.
Assignment Description
This assignment has three parts.
PART 1: Watch
Watch the film The Truman Show.
Note that analyzing and evaluating a film is different than watching a film for entertainment. Make sure you watch with the intention of analyzing. It might be helpful to take notes while you watch, or note when the time of important events or dialogue.
PART 2: Write your Essay
Write an essay connecting specific ideas in the film (characters, plot points, dialogue) to specific ideas from the readings in the course that defends a thesis about those connections. See the assignment guidelines for details.
Sample solution
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 Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Analyzing “The Truman Show”: A Journey into Reality and Illusion
Introduction
“The Truman Show,” directed by Peter Weir, presents a thought-provoking narrative that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The film follows the life of Truman Burbank, a man unaware that his entire existence is part of a meticulously crafted reality TV show. By delving into the themes of free will, surveillance, and the nature of truth, “The Truman Show” challenges viewers to question the boundaries of their own realities.
Connecting Ideas: Truman’s Quest for Truth
One of the central ideas in “The Truman Show” is Truman’s quest for truth and authenticity in a world filled with deception and manipulation. As Truman begins to unravel the carefully constructed facade of his reality, he grapples with existential questions about his identity and the meaning of his existence. This theme resonates with the philosophical discussions on truth and perception found in the course readings.
Analysis of Characters and Plot Points
The character of Christof, the creator and director of “The Truman Show,” serves as a symbol of control and manipulation. His god-like presence in Truman’s life raises questions about the ethics of surveillance and the boundaries of personal freedom. By analyzing Christof’s motivations and actions, we can draw parallels to the concepts of power and authority discussed in the course materials.
Dialogue and Themes
The dialogue in “The Truman Show” is rich with symbolism and allegory, shedding light on the complexities of Truman’s internal struggle for autonomy. Through an examination of key dialogues between Truman and other characters, we can explore themes of conformity, rebellion, and the search for individual truth. These themes can be linked to the course readings on identity, society, and self-discovery.
Defending a Thesis
In crafting an essay that connects specific ideas from “The Truman Show” to the course readings, one can defend a thesis that explores the intersection of reality and illusion, free will and determinism, and the power dynamics at play in shaping our perceptions of the world. By critically evaluating the film through the lens of academic discourse, students can deepen their understanding of the complex themes presented in both the cinematic narrative and the course materials.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Truman Show” offers a compelling platform for analysis and critical evaluation, challenging viewers to confront their assumptions about truth, agency, and the nature of reality. By engaging with the film on a deeper level and drawing connections to course readings, students can enhance their analytical skills, develop nuanced arguments, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the complexities of storytelling and philosophical inquiry.