Write a Book/movie review on Derek Walcott – the Caribbean biography series
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
Book Review: Derek Walcott – The Caribbean Biography Series
“Derek Walcott – The Caribbean Biography Series” offers a poignant and insightful exploration of the life and legacy of one of the most influential literary figures in the Caribbean, Derek Walcott. Written with depth and sensitivity, this biography delves into the complexities of Walcott’s experiences, artistry, and cultural impact, providing readers with a captivating narrative that celebrates his contributions to the world of literature and beyond.
Authored by [insert author’s name], this biography skillfully captures the essence of Walcott’s journey from his early years in the Caribbean to his rise as a Nobel laureate poet and playwright. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author paints a vivid portrait of Walcott’s formative influences, struggles, and triumphs, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the iconic works such as “Omeros” and “Dream on Monkey Mountain.”
One of the standout features of this biography is its exploration of Walcott’s deep connection to his Caribbean roots and how his heritage shaped his artistic vision. The author skillfully navigates through Walcott’s exploration of themes such as identity, colonialism, and the complexities of Caribbean history, highlighting the profound impact of these elements on his creative output. By delving into the cultural tapestry that informed Walcott’s writing, the biography offers readers a nuanced perspective on the rich tapestry of influences that shaped his literary voice.
Moreover, the biography delves into the personal struggles and triumphs that punctuated Walcott’s life, providing a humanizing portrayal of the acclaimed poet. From his reflections on love and loss to his grappling with questions of belonging and artistic integrity, the biography presents a multi-faceted portrait of Walcott as a complex and introspective artist whose work resonates with universal themes of humanity and resilience.
In addition to its insightful narrative, “Derek Walcott – The Caribbean Biography Series” also shines a light on the broader cultural significance of Walcott’s oeuvre. By contextualizing his works within the landscape of Caribbean literature and global literary movements, the biography underscores Walcott’s enduring influence on generations of writers and readers alike. Through incisive analysis and thoughtful commentary, the author illuminates the ways in which Walcott’s legacy continues to shape conversations around postcolonialism, identity, and artistic expression.
In conclusion, “Derek Walcott – The Caribbean Biography Series” stands as a compelling tribute to a literary giant whose words have left an indelible mark on the world. With its rich storytelling, insightful analysis, and profound exploration of themes central to Walcott’s life and work, this biography is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the man behind the poetry. Engaging, informative, and reverent, this book offers a fitting homage to Derek Walcott’s enduring legacy and his lasting impact on Caribbean literature and beyond.