How and why have certain Americans tended to view themselves and their nation as “exceptional”? How has this notion shaped American culture, politics and economics?
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 Notion of American Exceptionalism: Impact on Culture, Politics, and Economics
The concept of American exceptionalism has long been a foundational belief among certain Americans, shaping their perception of themselves and their nation as uniquely distinct and superior to others. This notion has had a profound impact on American culture, politics, and economics, influencing various aspects of society and contributing to the country’s identity on the global stage. In this essay, we will explore how and why certain Americans have tended to view themselves as exceptional and examine the implications of this belief on different facets of American life.
Origins of American Exceptionalism
The idea of American exceptionalism can be traced back to the early days of the American republic, rooted in the belief that the United States was a beacon of freedom, democracy, and opportunity in a world marked by tyranny and oppression. This sense of exceptionalism was fueled by historical events such as the American Revolution and the country’s rapid expansion westward, reinforcing the notion of America as a unique and exceptional nation destined for greatness.
Cultural Impact
American exceptionalism has had a profound impact on the country’s culture, shaping its national identity and influencing how Americans perceive themselves and their place in the world. The belief in American exceptionalism has fostered a strong sense of patriotism and national pride, as well as a belief in the country’s moral superiority and mission to spread democracy and freedom globally. This cultural ethos has permeated various aspects of American society, from literature and art to popular media and public discourse, reinforcing the idea of America as an exceptional nation with a special role to play in world affairs.
Political Influence
The notion of American exceptionalism has also had significant implications for American politics, shaping both domestic policy decisions and foreign relations. Politicians have often invoked the idea of American exceptionalism to justify military interventions, economic policies, and diplomatic initiatives, portraying the United States as a force for good in the world and emphasizing its unique role as a leader among nations. This belief in America’s exceptional status has influenced political rhetoric, policy-making, and public opinion, shaping the country’s approach to issues ranging from immigration and healthcare to trade and national security.
Economic Consequences
In the realm of economics, the concept of American exceptionalism has played a role in shaping the country’s economic policies and practices. The belief in America’s exceptionalism as a land of opportunity and prosperity has fueled entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, driving economic growth and technological advancement. This sense of exceptionalism has also influenced trade relationships, investment decisions, and business practices, with American companies often viewing themselves as leaders in their industries and ambassadors for American values abroad.
In conclusion, the notion of American exceptionalism has had a profound impact on American culture, politics, and economics, shaping how certain Americans view themselves and their nation as uniquely distinct and superior. This belief in America’s exceptional status has influenced various aspects of society, contributing to a strong sense of national identity, guiding political decisions, and driving economic growth. While the idea of American exceptionalism remains a contentious topic with critics questioning its validity and implications, its legacy continues to shape American society and influence its role in the global community.
