Write an extended definition on hypocrisy
Tell what the word means by using synonyms.
Tell that the word does not mean by using antonymy, (“Bravery is not foolishness.”)
Give the derivation and history of the word: show origins of the word and how the meaning of the word has changed through the years.
Explain the word by using examples and anecdotes. As an example of bravery you might give an account of a person who risked his life to save others.
Quote an authority, and then expand his statement. (Aesop once wrote, ‘It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.’ This means that …”) .
Explain the word from as many different aspects as possible, telling what it is and what it is not. Usually use more than one of the suggestions above
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
Hypocrisy: The Art of Deception
Hypocrisy, a term rooted in ancient Greek, is a concept that has pervaded societies throughout history. Synonymous with deceit, pretense, and insincerity, hypocrisy involves the act of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely hold or practice. This form of duplicity is often accompanied by a discrepancy between one’s words and actions, creating an aura of falsehood and manipulation. Hypocrisy deceives not only others but also the self, as individuals feign righteousness while engaging in morally objectionable behaviors.
Contrary to popular belief, hypocrisy should not be confused with genuine contradiction or inconsistency. Unlike hypocrisy, which involves deliberate deception, contradiction arises from the inherent complexity of human nature and the ability to hold conflicting beliefs simultaneously. For instance, bravery is not synonymous with recklessness or foolishness; it represents the courage to face danger while maintaining a sense of rationality and purpose.
The word “hypocrisy” finds its roots in the Greek term “hypokrisis,” which originally referred to acting on stage. In ancient theater, actors would put on masks and assume different roles, often pretending to be someone they were not. Over time, the meaning of hypocrisy evolved to encompass the idea of pretending in everyday life, rather than solely in theatrical performances.
Throughout history, various philosophers and writers have explored the concept of hypocrisy, shedding light on its significance and implications. Aesop, a renowned ancient Greek storyteller, once wrote, “It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.” This statement highlights the essence of hypocrisy as an act that appears virtuous or brave only when one is not truly confronted with the dangers or challenges they claim to face. Hypocrisy thrives in situations where individuals can maintain a façade without being held accountable for their actions.
To further comprehend the multifaceted nature of hypocrisy, consider the following examples and anecdotes:
Political Hypocrisy: Many politicians claim to champion noble causes and advocate for the rights of the people. However, their actions often contradict their words, as they engage in corrupt practices or prioritize personal gain over public welfare.
Religious Hypocrisy: In religious contexts, hypocrisy manifests when individuals project an image of devoutness and moral purity while secretly engaging in immoral behaviors. This form of hypocrisy undermines the integrity of religious institutions and erodes faith in their teachings.
Environmental Hypocrisy: Some individuals may vocally support environmental causes while simultaneously leading unsustainable lifestyles. This dissonance between their beliefs and actions exposes their hypocrisy and undermines the credibility of their advocacy.
In conclusion, hypocrisy is a pervasive form of deception that involves professing values or beliefs that one does not genuinely hold or practice. It is distinct from genuine contradiction or inconsistency, as it stems from intentional deceit rather than inherent complexity. The word’s origin in ancient theater reinforces its association with acting and pretense. Aesop’s quote highlights how hypocrisy thrives when individuals can maintain a virtuous image without facing genuine challenges. By understanding various aspects of hypocrisy through examples and anecdotes, we unveil its deceptive nature and the detrimental impact it can have on society. As Aesop suggested, true bravery lies in being consistent in our actions, not just in our words.
