Topic: Developed by the writer after a critical read and annotation of the primary source
Primary Source: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
Secondary Sources required: At least 3
POV: Third Person only
Works Cited Page: Yes. You must provide a comprehensive works cited page for the sited sources in your work.
Borrowed Material Mandatory: Yes. You must conduct relevant research to support your topic and thesis.
Essay Purpose: Argumentative
Essay structure: introduction, summary,body,borrowed material,counter argument, conclusion
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
Introduction
In Zora Neale Hurston’s short story “Sweat,” the author vividly portrays the struggles of a strong, resilient African-American woman named Delia Jones. Through her powerful storytelling and use of symbolism, Hurston highlights the themes of oppression, perseverance, and empowerment within the context of the Jim Crow era. By critically analyzing the primary source and drawing upon relevant secondary sources, this essay will argue that “Sweat” serves as an important piece of literature that not only shines a light on the experiences of African-Americans during this time but also challenges societal norms and inspires readers.
Summary
“Sweat” takes place in rural Florida during the early 20th century and follows the life of Delia Jones, a washerwoman who endures both physical and emotional abuse from her husband, Sykes. Throughout the story, Hurston explores the dynamics of their troubled marriage and Delia’s internal struggle to break free from the oppressive forces that surround her. Delia’s job as a washerwoman becomes a metaphor for her life: she toils relentlessly, working in a literal sweat to support herself and her ungrateful husband.
Delia’s resilience and inner strength are evident as she continues to persevere despite the hardships she faces. However, it is through the introduction of a venomous snake into their home that Delia finds her source of empowerment. The snake represents both the physical danger that Delia faces and serves as a metaphor for her repressed anger and desire for revenge. As Sykes meets a tragic end, Delia is finally able to rid herself of the toxic relationship and assert her independence.
Body
Oppression during the Jim Crow era
To fully understand the significance of “Sweat” within its historical context, it is essential to explore the oppression faced by African-Americans during the Jim Crow era. Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination, perpetuating an environment of inequality and injustice. Secondary sources such as “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander and “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson provide valuable insights into this period.
These sources highlight how African-Americans were subjected to systemic racism, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and faced constant threats of violence. In “Sweat,” Hurston masterfully portrays these issues through the character of Delia, who not only faces mistreatment from her husband but also encounters racial prejudice within her community. By depicting Delia’s struggles, Hurston sheds light on the experiences faced by countless African-American women during this time.
Perseverance and empowerment
Despite her challenging circumstances, Delia’s resilience and determination shine through in “Sweat.” She refuses to succumb to victimhood and instead finds solace and strength in her work. This theme of perseverance is further explored in secondary sources such as “The Power of Perseverance: Finding Strength in Adversity” by Angela Duckworth and “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth.
These sources emphasize how resilience and perseverance can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Delia’s unwavering commitment to her work reflects her refusal to be defeated by her circumstances. Her ability to find strength in her labor resonates with readers, inspiring them to confront their own challenges head-on.
Challenging societal norms
Through the character of Delia, Hurston challenges societal norms that perpetuate gender roles and domestic abuse. Secondary sources such as “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan and “Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés offer valuable perspectives on these issues.
These sources highlight how women during this time were often expected to conform to traditional gender roles, placing them in subordinate positions within their households. Delia’s refusal to be a passive victim defies these societal expectations. By showcasing Delia’s strength and agency, Hurston challenges the oppressive gender norms of her time.
Borrowed Material
Secondary sources:
Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.
Wilkerson, Isabel. The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.
Duckworth, Angela. The Power of Perseverance: Finding Strength in Adversity.
Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.
Friedan, Betty. The Feminine Mystique.
Estés, Clarissa Pinkola. Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype.
Counter Argument
While some may argue that “Sweat” is merely a work of fiction and does not accurately represent the experiences of all African-American women during this time, it is important to recognize that literature often serves as a reflection of reality. While Delia may be a fictional character, her struggles and resilience are emblematic of the broader experiences faced by African-American women during the Jim Crow era.
Moreover, Hurston’s use of symbolism and storytelling techniques effectively convey the themes and messages she aims to explore. The power of literature lies in its ability to capture universal truths through individual stories, making “Sweat” a significant piece that should not be dismissed solely as a work of fiction.
Conclusion
Zora Neale Hurston’s short story “Sweat” offers an insightful exploration of oppression, perseverance, and empowerment within the context of the Jim Crow era. Through her vivid storytelling and use of symbolism, Hurston sheds light on the experiences faced by African-American women during this time while challenging societal norms. By drawing upon relevant secondary sources, this essay has argued that “Sweat” serves as an important piece of literature that not only reflects historical realities but also inspires readers to confront their own challenges with resilience and determination.
