Write a critical analysis paper of living old in america
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
Title: Living Old in America: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
The aging population in America is growing rapidly, with individuals aged 65 and older projected to make up a significant portion of the population in the coming decades. As people live longer, there are various challenges and opportunities associated with aging in America. This critical analysis paper delves into the realities, experiences, and implications of living old in America.
The Realities of Aging in America
Health Challenges
One of the primary concerns for older adults in America is health-related issues. Chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, become more prevalent with age, leading to increased healthcare needs and expenses. Access to quality healthcare services and affordable medications is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of older individuals.
Social Isolation
Social isolation and loneliness are prevalent among older adults in America, especially among those who live alone or have limited social connections. The lack of social interaction can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Community support programs, social activities, and intergenerational initiatives are essential for combating social isolation among the elderly.
Financial Insecurity
Many older adults in America face financial insecurity due to factors such as inadequate retirement savings, rising healthcare costs, and economic uncertainties. Social Security benefits, pensions, and savings may not always be sufficient to cover expenses in retirement, leading some older individuals to work longer or rely on government assistance programs.
Opportunities for Aging Well in America
Age-Friendly Communities
Creating age-friendly communities that cater to the needs of older adults can enhance their quality of life and promote active aging. Accessible housing, transportation options, healthcare services, recreational facilities, and social support networks are vital components of age-friendly communities that enable older adults to live independently and participate in community life.
Lifelong Learning
Engaging in lifelong learning opportunities, such as adult education classes, workshops, and online courses, can foster cognitive stimulation, personal growth, and social connections for older adults. Lifelong learning initiatives empower older individuals to pursue their interests, acquire new skills, and stay intellectually engaged throughout their later years.
Intergenerational Programs
Intergenerational programs that bring together people of different age groups can foster mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds. By promoting intergenerational interactions through mentoring, volunteering, and shared activities, older adults in America can contribute their wisdom and experience while building meaningful relationships with younger generations.
Conclusion
Living old in America presents a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities for older adults as they navigate health concerns, social dynamics, and financial considerations in later life. By addressing the realities of aging with compassion, innovation, and inclusivity, society can create a more supportive and enriching environment for older individuals to age well and thrive in their later years.
References:
1. Author C. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page numbers.
2. Author D. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher Name.
