Discuss the film as a parody of Homer’s The Odyssey. Is it valuable for modern readers to compare the two pieces? Why or why not?
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
Comparing “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” to Homer’s “The Odyssey”
Introduction
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is a film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, known for its comedic and musical elements. The movie is often recognized for its parallels to Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.” Exploring the film as a parody of “The Odyssey” allows for an intriguing comparison between ancient literature and modern storytelling.
Parallels between the Film and “The Odyssey”
– Odysseus’ Journey: In both works, the protagonist embarks on a journey filled with trials and encounters with various characters.
– Cyclops Encounter: The encounter with the Cyclops in “The Odyssey” is reflected in the film through the character of Big Dan Teague.
– Sirens’ Scene: The Sirens’ scene in “The Odyssey,” where Odysseus and his crew face temptation, is echoed in the film’s radio station scene.
Value of Comparing the Two Pieces
Understanding Universal Themes
– Comparing the two pieces allows modern readers to recognize universal themes such as the hero’s journey, temptation, and the power of perseverance.
– It highlights how storytelling elements from ancient literature can be reimagined in contemporary contexts.
Appreciating Different Interpretations
– Contrasting the film with “The Odyssey” provides insight into how narratives evolve over time and across different mediums.
– It showcases the creative license taken by filmmakers in adapting classic stories to suit modern audiences.
Cultural and Literary Appreciation
– Comparing “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” to “The Odyssey” encourages a deeper appreciation of both works and their cultural significance.
– It prompts discussions on the enduring relevance of ancient texts and their impact on contemporary storytelling.
Reasons to Compare the Two Pieces
1. Historical Context: Understanding the inspiration behind the film enriches the viewing experience and provides a cultural reference point.
2. Literary Analysis: Comparing themes, characters, and narrative structures enhances critical thinking and literary analysis skills.
3. Artistic Interpretation: Exploring how filmmakers reinterpret classical works fosters an appreciation for creative adaptations and storytelling techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, comparing “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” to Homer’s “The Odyssey” offers valuable insights into how ancient myths and epics continue to influence modern storytelling. By examining the parallels and divergences between the two pieces, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for both works and the enduring impact of classic literature on contemporary culture. The juxtaposition of these texts invites us to reflect on the timeless themes and narratives that resonate across different eras and art forms.
