Illustration essay about Commercialization of holidays
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 Commercialization of Holidays: Striking a Balance Between Tradition and Consumerism
Introduction
Holidays have always held a special place in our hearts, symbolizing cherished traditions, cultural celebrations, and time spent with loved ones. However, in recent years, the commercialization of holidays has become increasingly prevalent. What was once a time for reflection, gratitude, and joy has now become intertwined with consumerism and materialism. This essay will explore the effects of the commercialization of holidays, shedding light on the potential drawbacks while also acknowledging the benefits that come with it.
Thesis Statement
The commercialization of holidays has both positive and negative impacts on society, as it can foster a sense of excitement and community while also promoting excessive consumerism and overshadowing the true meaning of these special occasions.
Body Paragraph 1: The Excitement and Community Spirit
One undeniable aspect of the commercialization of holidays is the sense of excitement and community it brings. The elaborate decorations, festive music, and vibrant displays create an atmosphere that ignites joy and anticipation. The commercialization of holidays also leads to public events and gatherings that foster a shared sense of celebration among individuals, bringing communities together and strengthening social bonds.
Body Paragraph 2: Excessive Consumerism and Materialistic Culture
However, the commercialization of holidays has also fueled a culture of excessive consumerism. Advertising campaigns bombard consumers with messages that link happiness and fulfillment to material possessions. This can lead to a never-ending pursuit of acquiring more, encouraging individuals to prioritize buying gifts or indulging in extravagant experiences over spending quality time with loved ones or engaging in meaningful acts of kindness.
Body Paragraph 3: Overshadowing the True Meaning
Furthermore, the commercialization of holidays often overshadows their true meaning. The emphasis on shopping, discounts, and sales can divert attention away from the values and traditions that underpin these special occasions. For example, Christmas, originally a religious celebration focused on family and goodwill, has become synonymous with excessive gift-giving and materialistic extravagance.
Body Paragraph 4: Striking a Balance
While it is essential to acknowledge the negative effects of holiday commercialization, it is equally important to recognize the positive aspects and strive for a balance. It is possible to enjoy the excitement and community spirit brought about by commercialization without losing sight of the true essence of holidays. By practicing mindful consumerism, prioritizing meaningful experiences over material possessions, and actively engaging in traditions and values associated with each holiday, individuals can reclaim the authenticity and significance of these special occasions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the commercialization of holidays has become a double-edged sword in modern society. While it brings excitement, community spirit, and economic benefits, it also fosters excessive consumerism and risks overshadowing the true meaning behind these special occasions. It is crucial for individuals to strike a balance between participating in commercial aspects and preserving the traditions, values, and connections that make holidays truly meaningful. By doing so, we can reclaim the essence of holidays, ensuring they remain times of reflection, gratitude, and joy for generations to come.
