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
Thesis Statement
The concept of American exceptionalism has deeply influenced how certain Americans perceive themselves and their nation. Rooted in the belief of unique virtues and a special destiny, this notion has played a significant role in shaping American culture, politics, and economics over the years.
Introduction
American exceptionalism is a term that refers to the belief that the United States is inherently unique, with a special mission to fulfill on the global stage. This notion has been ingrained in the American psyche for centuries, influencing various aspects of society and governance.
Historical Perspective
The idea of American exceptionalism can be traced back to the early days of colonization when the Puritans viewed themselves as a chosen people destined to create a “City upon a Hill.” This sense of divine providence laid the foundation for the belief in American exceptionalism, which has persisted throughout history.
Impact on Culture
American exceptionalism has had a profound impact on American culture, shaping values such as individualism, self-reliance, and optimism. The idea that America is a beacon of freedom and opportunity has contributed to a strong sense of national identity and pride among its citizens. This belief in exceptionalism has also influenced cultural exports such as Hollywood movies, music, and literature, which often portray America as a symbol of hope and progress.
Impact on Politics
American exceptionalism has played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic relations. The belief in America’s unique mission has justified interventions in other countries to spread democracy and freedom. This sense of exceptionalism has also influenced domestic politics, with politicians often invoking patriotic rhetoric and nationalistic themes to rally support for their agendas. The idea that America is a “shining city upon a hill” has been used to justify policies that promote American interests over global concerns.
Impact on Economics
The notion of American exceptionalism has also influenced economic policies and practices in the United States. The belief in America’s exceptional status as a land of opportunity has fueled entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, leading to economic growth and prosperity. This sense of exceptionalism has also shaped trade relationships with other nations, with the U.S. often seeking to maintain its economic dominance through free-market principles and competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, American exceptionalism has been a powerful force in shaping American identity, values, and policies. The belief in America’s unique virtues and special destiny has influenced culture, politics, and economics in profound ways, shaping how Americans view themselves and their role in the world. While the notion of exceptionalism has inspired progress and achievement, it has also led to challenges such as ethnocentrism, nationalism, and isolationism. Understanding the impact of American exceptionalism is crucial for comprehending the complexities of American society and its place in the global landscape.
