Discuss the quote by Deborah Jowitt that states that the Judson Dance Theatre members were making a “comment on the times.” What do you think this quote means? And what specifically were “the times” this quote is referring to?
Choose your favorite video clip from this Module and post it in the answer box, and tell me what drew you to this clip over all the other Modern dance videos in this Module. (2 points)
Once you have posted your answers to the above two questions, respond to another student’s submission and let them know what you think of their choice.
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
Deborah Jowitt’s Quote and My Favorite Video Clip
Deborah Jowitt’s quote suggesting that the members of the Judson Dance Theatre were making a “comment on the times” implies that their work reflected and responded to the social, cultural, and political climate of the era in which they were creating. It suggests that their dances were not just artistic expressions but also carried a deeper message or critique about the world around them.
Specifically, “the times” referred to in this quote likely alludes to the 1960s and early 1970s when the Judson Dance Theatre emerged in New York City. This period was marked by significant social and political changes, including the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the rise of feminist movements. The members of the Judson Dance Theatre were known for their experimental and avant-garde approach to dance, challenging established norms and conventions. Their work often addressed issues of power dynamics, gender roles, and social hierarchies, reflecting the turbulent times they were living in.
Favorite Video Clip: Trisha Brown – “Roof Piece”
This video clip of Trisha Brown’s “Roof Piece” stood out to me among all the other modern dance videos in this module for several reasons. Firstly, the concept of dancers communicating through gestures and movements from rooftop to rooftop fascinated me. It showcased a unique and innovative approach to spatial exploration and human interaction.
Secondly, the simplicity and minimalism of the choreography appealed to me. The dancers’ movements were precise and deliberate, emphasizing clarity and intention. There was an elegance in the simplicity of their gestures that allowed the audience to focus on the essence of the dance.
Lastly, “Roof Piece” encapsulated the spirit of experimentation and pushing boundaries that characterized the Judson Dance Theatre. It challenged traditional performance spaces and brought dance into unexpected settings, blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life.
Response to Another Student’s Submission:
I agree with your choice of Trisha Brown’s “Roof Piece.” The concept of dancers communicating across rooftops is both visually captivating and symbolic. I appreciate how the choreography emphasizes simplicity and clarity, allowing the audience to focus on the essence of the dance. It truly represents the innovative spirit of the Judson Dance Theatre and their willingness to push boundaries. Great selection!
