Research paper on the causes and effects of anorexia nervosa
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
The Causes and Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
Introduction
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an extreme restriction of food intake, leading to dangerously low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. This disorder affects individuals of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood. Understanding the causes and effects of anorexia nervosa is crucial in order to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for those affected by this debilitating condition.
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
Biological Factors
One of the leading causes of anorexia nervosa is believed to be genetic predisposition. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa themselves. Additionally, alterations in brain chemistry, particularly involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, may play a role in the development of this disorder.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors also contribute significantly to the development of anorexia nervosa. Individuals who struggle with low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, and a need for control are more likely to develop disordered eating behaviors. Traumatic life events, such as abuse or bullying, can also trigger the onset of anorexia nervosa in vulnerable individuals.
Sociocultural Factors
The societal emphasis on thinness and beauty in the media can contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. Constant exposure to images of unrealistic body ideals can lead individuals to internalize these standards and engage in extreme dieting behaviors in an effort to achieve the perceived ideal body shape.
Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
Physical Effects
The physical effects of anorexia nervosa can be severe and life-threatening. Individuals with this disorder often experience malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and hormonal disturbances. Long-term consequences may include heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, osteoporosis, and infertility.
Psychological Effects
Anorexia nervosa not only affects the body but also has profound psychological effects. Individuals with this disorder commonly experience depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image. Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating and memory problems, are also common in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Social Effects
The social effects of anorexia nervosa can be devastating. Relationships with family and friends may become strained due to the individual’s preoccupation with food and weight. Social isolation is common among individuals with anorexia nervosa, as they may avoid social gatherings that involve food or situations that could trigger anxiety about eating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anorexia nervosa is a complex and multifaceted eating disorder with a range of causes and effects. Understanding the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in the development of this disorder is essential for effective prevention and treatment. By addressing the underlying causes and providing comprehensive support for individuals affected by anorexia nervosa, we can work towards improving outcomes and promoting recovery for those struggling with this challenging condition.
Remember that seeking help from healthcare professionals is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms of anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment are key to overcoming this serious mental health condition.
