Write a 1,500 words research essay on the following topic:
Many relationships end: people grow apart, friends are separated, people divorce, and some are separated by death. Research the topic to see what has been written about how people close off one part of their lives. From a perspective of communication, create your own theory about what people can do to make relationship termination more comfortable.
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.
The Art of Closure: Communicative Strategies for Comfortable Relationship Termination
Relationships are an integral part of human existence, shaping our experiences, emotions, and sense of connection with others. However, not all relationships stand the test of time, leading to separations that can be emotionally fraught and challenging to navigate. Whether it’s the gradual drifting apart of friends, the dissolution of a marriage, or the painful loss of a loved one, the process of relationship termination can leave individuals grappling with a range of complex emotions and uncertainties. In this essay, we will delve into the realm of relationship closure through the lens of communication, seeking to understand how people can effectively navigate the often turbulent waters of parting ways with others. By examining existing research on the topic and synthesizing insights from various perspectives, we will develop a theory on communicative strategies that can help individuals achieve a sense of closure and comfort in times of relationship termination.
Understanding Relationship Termination
To comprehend the dynamics of relationship termination, it is essential to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of human connections and the factors that contribute to their dissolution. Research has shown that relationships can end due to a variety of reasons, including changes in individual priorities and values, communication breakdowns, external stressors, and evolving life circumstances. People may grow apart as they undergo personal growth and transformation, leading to a natural divergence in their paths. In other cases, conflicts, unresolved issues, or betrayals may erode the foundation of trust and intimacy in a relationship, making it unsustainable in the long run.
The Role of Communication in Closure
Communication plays a pivotal role in both sustaining relationships and facilitating their closure. Effective communication during the process of relationship termination can help individuals express their emotions, clarify their intentions, and honor the shared history and experiences that defined their connection. However, many people struggle to navigate conversations around separation due to fear of confrontation, discomfort with vulnerability, or uncertainty about how to articulate their feelings in a clear and respectful manner.
Creating a Theory of Comfortable Relationship Termination
Drawing on insights from existing research and interpersonal communication theories, I propose a theory of comfortable relationship termination centered around three key principles: authenticity, empathy, and closure.
1. Authenticity
Authentic communication involves being true to oneself and expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions honestly and respectfully. To achieve closure in a relationship, individuals must strive to communicate authentically with each other, sharing their perspectives, emotions, and needs openly and transparently. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity in their interactions, people can create a space for genuine dialogue and mutual understanding, laying the foundation for a more comfortable separation process.
2. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, fostering compassion, connection, and emotional validation. In the context of relationship termination, practicing empathy can help individuals acknowledge and validate each other’s emotions, perspectives, and experiences, even if they differ or conflict. By listening actively, showing empathy, and demonstrating genuine care and concern for each other’s well-being, people can navigate the complexities of separation with greater sensitivity and understanding.
3. Closure
Closure is an essential component of comfortable relationship termination, allowing individuals to bring a sense of resolution and completion to their shared experiences. Communicating about closure involves acknowledging the end of the relationship, reflecting on its impact and significance, and finding ways to honor the memories, lessons, and connections that were shared. By engaging in closure rituals or conversations that mark the end of the relationship in a meaningful way, individuals can find emotional release, acceptance, and peace as they move forward in their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, relationship termination is a natural part of human interactions that can be both challenging and transformative. By approaching the process of closure through the lens of communication, individuals can navigate separations with greater ease, comfort, and emotional well-being. Through authentic expression, empathy, and closure-oriented conversations, people can honor their relationships, validate their emotions, and find solace in the shared experiences that shaped their connections. As we continue to explore the complexities of human relationships and communication dynamics, it is essential to recognize the power of words, presence, and connection in guiding us through the inevitable transitions and transformations that define our relational journeys.
In embracing these principles of authentic communication, empathy, and closure, individuals can pave the way for a more compassionate and respectful approach to relationship termination—one that honors the past, embraces the present, and nurtures the potential for new beginnings and growth.
