Choose a piecSe from any of the genres (creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, screenplay, or drama) that you want to evaluate.
For that piece, answer the following questions in a three-page paper (it can be longer, but it must reach the bottom of the third page):
What two elements of the piece’s genre does it use effectively? How so?
What two elements of the piece’s genre does it not use as effectively as it could? How so?
Overall, why is the piece enjoyable/not enjoyable? (Be specific, using examples that connect to course content on the elements of creative writing)
How might you borrow/avoid from how this piece uses its literary elements?
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
Title: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Fiction)
Introduction:
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a classic work of fiction that captivates readers with its vivid portrayal of the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. In this paper, we will evaluate the effectiveness of two elements of the fiction genre in The Great Gatsby and discuss two elements that could have been used more effectively. Additionally, we will analyze why the piece is enjoyable and provide recommendations on how to borrow/avoid from its literary elements.
Effective Elements:
Characterization: The Great Gatsby effectively utilizes characterization to bring its characters to life and evoke emotional responses from the readers. Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist, is portrayed as a charismatic and ambitious figure who is driven by his love for Daisy Buchanan. Through Fitzgerald’s skillful use of detailed descriptions and the characters’ dialogue, we gain a clear understanding of Gatsby’s hopes, dreams, and inner conflicts. The author’s ability to create complex, multi-dimensional characters adds depth and authenticity to the story.
Setting: The setting of The Great Gatsby is another element that is employed effectively. Fitzgerald’s vivid descriptions of Long Island in the 1920s immerse readers in the opulent and decadent world of the Jazz Age. From the extravagant parties at Gatsby’s mansion to the contrastingly desolate Valley of Ashes, the setting plays a significant role in conveying the themes of wealth, materialism, and the emptiness that lies beneath the surface of this seemingly glamorous era.
Elements That Could Be Improved:
Plot Structure: While The Great Gatsby is a captivating story, its plot structure could have been more tightly woven. The narrative jumps back and forth in time through flashbacks and reminiscences, which can sometimes disrupt the flow of the story. A more linear approach to storytelling could have enhanced the coherence and accessibility of the plot.
Pacing: The pacing in The Great Gatsby is deliberate and measured, but at times it feels slow and overly descriptive. While Fitzgerald’s ornate prose is beautiful, it occasionally detracts from the momentum of the narrative. A more balanced approach to pacing, with tighter editing on descriptive passages, could have made the story more engaging and dynamic.
Enjoyability:
The Great Gatsby is an enjoyable piece due to several factors. First, Fitzgerald’s lush and poetic writing style creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that transports readers into the world of the 1920s. The vivid descriptions of parties, fashion, and wealth evoke a sense of nostalgia and fascination. Second, the exploration of themes such as the American Dream, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the pursuit of love make the story thought-provoking and relevant even today. Through memorable characters and symbolic motifs, Fitzgerald offers a critique of society that resonates with readers.
Borrowing/Avoiding Literary Elements:
From The Great Gatsby, one can borrow effective techniques such as detailed characterization to create compelling and relatable characters in their own fiction writing. Additionally, utilizing a vivid and immersive setting can transport readers to another time or place, enhancing their reading experience. On the other hand, one might avoid using excessive description that could slow down the pacing or disrupt the flow of the story. Striking a balance between description and action is crucial to maintaining reader engagement.
In conclusion, The Great Gatsby effectively employs characterization and setting to create a rich and immersive reading experience. However, elements such as plot structure and pacing could have been improved for a more cohesive narrative. Overall, the piece is enjoyable due to its evocative writing style, exploration of timeless themes, and memorable characters. By borrowing effective literary elements while avoiding pitfalls like excessive description, writers can enhance their own work and captivate their readers.
