1. Which country, which gained independence from Belgium in 1960, was known from 1971 to 1997 as Zaire when it was a one-party totalitarian dictatorship? 2. Which river, the longest in Europe, is connected by a canal to the Don River and hence to the Black Sea, flows past cities including Nizhny Novgorod and Astrakhan, and empties into the Caspian Sea? 3. Which South American mountain range, the longest continental range in the world, reaches as far north as Merida in Venezuela and as far south as Mount Aconcagua in Argentina?
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 Congo, Volga, and Andes: Exploring Three Geographical Wonders of the World
From the vast rainforests of Africa to the sprawling cities of Europe and the breathtaking landscapes of South America, the world is rich with geographical wonders that have shaped history, culture, and society. In this essay, we will delve into three remarkable geographical features: the Congo River in Africa, the Volga River in Europe, and the Andes Mountains in South America.
The Congo River: A Lifeline of Africa
The Congo River, known for its immense length and powerful currents, has played a central role in the history and geography of Central Africa. Flowing through a diverse range of landscapes, from dense rainforests to open savannas, the Congo River is not only a vital transportation route but also a lifeline for millions of people who depend on its waters for sustenance.
After gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the country through which the Congo River flows underwent significant political upheaval. From 1971 to 1997, it was known as Zaire and was ruled by a one-party totalitarian dictatorship. This period of history underscores the complex interplay between geography, politics, and societal development.
The Volga River: Europe’s Waterway
In Europe, the Volga River stands out as a defining geographical feature that has shaped the development of the continent. As the longest river in Europe, the Volga flows through Russia, connecting regions and cities along its banks. One notable feature of the Volga is its connection to the Don River, which then links to the Black Sea, providing a crucial waterway for trade and commerce.
Cities such as Nizhny Novgorod and Astrakhan owe their historical significance to the presence of the Volga River. The river not only facilitated trade and communication but also served as a cultural and economic hub for diverse communities living along its shores.
The Andes Mountains: South America’s Backbone
Moving to South America, we encounter the majestic Andes Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world. Stretching from Venezuela to Argentina, the Andes define the landscape of the continent and influence weather patterns, biodiversity, and human settlement.
Reaching as far north as Merida in Venezuela and as far south as Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the Andes have long been a source of fascination and challenge for explorers, scientists, and adventurers. Their towering peaks and rugged terrain have shaped the cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples who call the Andes home.
In conclusion, the Congo, Volga, and Andes represent not just geographical features but also symbols of resilience, adaptability, and human ingenuity. By understanding the significance of these natural wonders, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of geography, history, and society on a global scale.
