Why are successful musicians more prone to become drug-abusers?
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 Dark Side of Success: The Link Between Successful Musicians and Drug Abuse
Throughout history, we have witnessed numerous instances of successful musicians succumbing to drug abuse and addiction. This has led to the perception that there is a correlation between success in the music industry and a higher likelihood of drug abuse. While it is essential to avoid generalizations, it is worth exploring the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. This essay will delve into some potential reasons why successful musicians may be more prone to drug abuse.
One possible explanation for the higher prevalence of drug abuse among successful musicians is the unique lifestyle and environment they often find themselves in. The music industry is known for its fast pace, excessive partying, and easy access to drugs. Musicians are frequently exposed to an environment where substance use is normalized or even glamorized, making it easier for them to experiment with drugs. Moreover, the pressure to maintain a certain image or meet high expectations can lead musicians to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism or form of self-medication.
Another contributing factor is the potentially stressful nature of the music industry itself. Musicians face intense pressure to produce creative work, meet deadlines, and maintain their popularity in a highly competitive field. This pressure can take a toll on their mental health, leading some to seek solace in drugs as a means of escape or relaxation. Additionally, the irregular and demanding schedules of touring and performing can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate stress levels, further increasing the risk of substance abuse.
Furthermore, the romanticized image of the tormented artist prevalent in popular culture may also play a role. Society often associates creativity with unconventional behavior and experiences, including drug use. This perception can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, with musicians feeling compelled to conform to this stereotype to enhance their image or artistic persona. The desire to fit into this perceived mold of a rebellious and tortured artist can lead musicians down a dangerous path of drug abuse.
It is important to note that not all successful musicians fall into drug abuse patterns, and many lead healthy and fulfilling lives. However, the correlation between success in the music industry and drug abuse cannot be ignored. The unique lifestyle, environment, and pressures faced by musicians contribute to a higher susceptibility to substance abuse.
In conclusion, there are several factors that may contribute to the higher incidence of drug abuse among successful musicians. The music industry’s unique lifestyle, exposure to drugs, high levels of stress, and societal expectations of the tormented artist may all play a role. It is crucial for the music industry, artists themselves, and society as a whole to prioritize mental health support, create healthier environments, and challenge the romanticized notions of drug use in order to break this destructive cycle. By addressing these factors, we can better support musicians in their pursuit of success without compromising their well-being.
