Should the City of Loveland Historic Preservation Commission allocate additional funds to restore and maintain historic landmarks?
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: Preserving the Past: The Case for Allocating Additional Funds to Restore and Maintain Historic Landmarks in the City of Loveland
Thesis Statement: The City of Loveland’s Historic Preservation Commission should allocate additional funds to restore and maintain historic landmarks due to their cultural significance, economic benefits, and contribution to community identity.
The preservation of historic landmarks is vital to maintaining the cultural heritage and identity of a community. In the case of the City of Loveland, allocating additional funds to restore and maintain historic landmarks is not only a worthwhile investment but also a crucial responsibility in upholding the city’s rich history and character.
Historic landmarks serve as tangible connections to the past, reflecting the architectural, social, and economic history of a region. By preserving these sites, the city can offer residents and visitors a sense of continuity and a deeper understanding of their roots. Furthermore, historic landmarks contribute significantly to the local economy by attracting tourism, supporting small businesses, and enhancing property values in surrounding areas. Neglecting these valuable assets could result in the loss of historical authenticity and the economic benefits associated with heritage tourism.
In addition to their cultural and economic significance, historic landmarks play a fundamental role in shaping community identity. They serve as focal points for communal activities, events, and gatherings, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents. By investing in the restoration and maintenance of these landmarks, the city demonstrates its commitment to preserving its unique heritage and strengthening community cohesion.
While it may require additional financial resources, the long-term benefits of allocating funds to restore and maintain historic landmarks far outweigh the costs. Not only does it safeguard the city’s cultural legacy, but it also stimulates economic growth, fosters community pride, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
In conclusion, the City of Loveland’s Historic Preservation Commission should prioritize allocating additional funds to restore and maintain historic landmarks. By doing so, the city can uphold its cultural heritage, support economic growth, and nurture a strong sense of community identity for current and future generations.
I have crafted a persuasive essay that advocates for allocating additional funds to restore and maintain historic landmarks in the City of Loveland. I have highlighted the cultural significance, economic benefits, and contribution to community identity that historic landmarks offer. If you need further information or any adjustments, feel free to let me know.
