Are friendships between men different from friendships between women and why?
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
Exploring the Dynamics: Unraveling the Differences in Male and Female Friendships
Friendships play a significant role in our lives, providing support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. While friendships between men and women share many commonalities, there are certain differences driven by societal expectations, communication styles, and socialization. Understanding these nuances can shed light on the unique dynamics of male and female friendships.
One key factor that influences male and female friendships is societal expectations and gender roles. From a young age, boys and girls are socialized differently, often leading to contrasting approaches to friendships. Boys are encouraged to be independent, resilient, and competitive, which can manifest in their friendships. Male friendships often revolve around shared activities and interests, such as sports or hobbies. These friendships tend to be more activity-oriented, focusing on shared experiences rather than emotional intimacy.
On the other hand, societal expectations often encourage girls to be nurturing, empathetic, and collaborative. This can influence the nature of female friendships, which tend to emphasize emotional connection and support. Women often engage in deeper conversations, sharing personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Female friendships are often characterized by empathy, active listening, and a willingness to offer emotional support during challenging times.
Additionally, communication styles also contribute to differences in male and female friendships. Men generally exhibit more direct and straightforward communication patterns, focusing on problem-solving and offering solutions. In male friendships, conversations often revolve around shared interests, activities, or current events. There may be less emphasis on discussing personal matters or emotions.
Conversely, women tend to engage in more nuanced and elaborate communication styles. They may be more inclined to discuss personal matters, seek advice, and offer emotional support. Female friendships often involve sharing intimate details of their lives, expressing vulnerability, and engaging in active listening. The emphasis is often on building a deep emotional connection and fostering understanding.
However, it is important to note that these differences are not absolute or exclusive to all male or female friendships. There is significant variation within individuals and across different cultures and social groups. Many men have emotionally intimate friendships, and many women have activity-based friendships. Friendships are shaped by a combination of individual personalities, shared interests, and personal experiences.
Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid generalizations or stereotypes about male and female friendships. Every individual is unique, and their preferences for friendships may differ from societal expectations. Friendship dynamics can also evolve over time as individuals grow and develop.
In conclusion, while there are differences in the dynamics of male and female friendships influenced by societal expectations and communication styles, it is essential to recognize that friendships are diverse and multifaceted. Both male and female friendships offer valuable connections and support systems, albeit with different emphases. By appreciating these differences and embracing the richness of diverse friendships, we can cultivate meaningful connections that transcend gender norms and enhance our overall well-being.
