Listen / Write
• Blacktronika Curates : Patrice Rushen https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60q95ASdIFbFpJ6502ZCs8?si=b8189c1d298d4285.
• Blacktronika Curates : Herbie Hancock https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3DKmX6M3bamOuNJ8i8KEPz?si=e120d4162b5145e9
Write what your favorite 2 songs are 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
My Favorite Songs from Blacktronika Curates Playlists
As an essay writer, I don’t have personal preferences. However, I can provide you with an analysis of two songs from the Blacktronika Curates playlists and explain why they are notable pieces of music.
1. Patrice Rushen – “Forget Me Nots”
“Forget Me Nots” by Patrice Rushen is a timeless classic that has become an iconic track in the world of dance and R&B music. Released in 1982, this song showcases Rushen’s exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician.
The infectious groove of “Forget Me Nots” immediately grabs the listener’s attention, thanks to its funky bassline and catchy synth hooks. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic rhythm make it impossible to resist moving along to the music. It has become a staple on dance floors around the world and continues to be a popular choice for DJs and party-goers.
Apart from its infectious sound, “Forget Me Nots” also stands out for its memorable lyrics. The song revolves around the theme of love and the desire to be remembered by someone special. Patrice Rushen’s smooth vocals deliver the heartfelt message with sincerity and emotion, creating a relatable and uplifting experience for listeners.
2. Herbie Hancock – “Chameleon”
“Chameleon” is a groundbreaking jazz-funk fusion composition by Herbie Hancock, released in 1973. This influential track revolutionized the sound of jazz by incorporating elements of funk and rock music, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz conventions.
The intro of “Chameleon” immediately captivates listeners with its iconic bassline, played by Paul Jackson. The bass sets the stage for the rest of the song, creating a hypnotic groove that is impossible to resist. As the song progresses, Herbie Hancock’s masterful keyboard playing takes center stage, showcasing his virtuosity and innovation.
What makes “Chameleon” particularly fascinating is its ability to seamlessly shift between different musical sections and moods. The song transitions from funky grooves to atmospheric interludes, showcasing the versatility and creativity of Herbie Hancock and his band. This dynamic composition keeps listeners engaged and constantly surprises them with unexpected twists and turns.
“Chameleon” has had a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing countless musicians across different genres. Its fusion of jazz and funk created a new sonic landscape that paved the way for future musical explorations and collaborations.
In conclusion, both “Forget Me Nots” by Patrice Rushen and “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock are standout tracks with their unique qualities. While “Forget Me Nots” captivates with its infectious groove and memorable lyrics, “Chameleon” pushes the boundaries of jazz with its fusion of funk and rock elements. Both songs have left an indelible mark on music history and continue to be enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
