“The day, water, sun, moon, night – I do not have to purchase these things with money.” – Titus MacciusPlautus (254 – 184 BC), Roman Playwright
Write an essay of 1000 words in which you critically discuss the above quote. Use arguments supported by evidence to support your chosen perspective(s). Cite your sources using APA style (online reference generators are recommended to use).
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 Intrinsic Value of Nature: An Exploration of Plautus’ Quote
In the timeless words of the Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, “The day, water, sun, moon, night – I do not have to purchase these things with money.” This profound statement encapsulates the intrinsic value of nature that transcends monetary transactions. In a world increasingly driven by consumerism and material wealth, it is essential to reflect on the inherent worth of the natural elements that sustain life on Earth.
The Essence of Nature
At the core of Plautus’ quote lies a fundamental truth: the essentials for life are provided to us freely by nature. The day brings light and warmth, water quenches our thirst, the sun nourishes and sustains all living beings, the moon guides us through the night, and the night provides rest and rejuvenation. These elements are not commodities that can be bought and sold; they are gifts of nature that enrich our existence.
The Day: Light and Opportunity
The day symbolizes new beginnings, opportunities, and growth. It offers us the chance to explore, create, and connect with the world around us. Without the day, life would be shrouded in perpetual darkness, devoid of progress and vitality. The light of the day illuminates our path and inspires us to seize the moment.
Water: The Elixir of Life
Water is often referred to as the elixir of life, and for good reason. It is essential for our survival, playing a crucial role in maintaining our health and well-being. From quenching our thirst to supporting agricultural activities, water is a precious resource that sustains all living organisms. Its value far exceeds any monetary price tag that could be placed upon it.
The Sun: Source of Energy
The sun is the ultimate source of energy for life on Earth. Through photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into food, which forms the basis of the food chain. The sun’s warmth provides comfort and enables various ecological processes to take place. Its radiance is a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.
The Moon and Night: Beauty and Serenity
The moon’s gentle glow in the night sky has captivated humans for centuries. Its phases mark the passage of time and inspire awe and wonder. The night, with its peaceful stillness, offers a time for reflection and introspection. It is a period of rest and renewal, essential for maintaining balance in our lives.
Beyond Monetary Value
In a world where everything seems to have a price tag, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of a purely transactional mindset. The natural elements highlighted by Plautus transcend monetary value; their worth cannot be quantified in terms of dollars and cents. They are part of a delicate ecological balance that sustains life on Earth and deserves our utmost respect and protection.
Environmental Implications
The rampant exploitation of natural resources for profit has led to widespread environmental degradation and climate change. The consequences of prioritizing economic gain over environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly evident, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity threatening the very foundations of life on Earth.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Beyond their practical utility, the elements mentioned by Plautus hold cultural and spiritual significance for many societies around the world. They have inspired art, literature, music, and religious practices for millennia, serving as symbols of beauty, wisdom, and transcendence. Their intrinsic value lies in their ability to evoke emotions and connections that go beyond material wealth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Plautus’ quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic value of nature that transcends monetary considerations. The day, water, sun, moon, and night are not commodities to be bought and sold; they are essential components of life that enrich our existence in ways that cannot be measured in dollars. As we navigate an increasingly materialistic world, let us not forget to cherish and protect these precious gifts of nature that sustain us all.
References:
Plautus, T. M. (254 – 184 BC). Retrieved from [source link]
