Write a book/movie review about The parable of the prodigal son
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
Book/Movie Review: “The Parable of the Prodigal Son”
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son” is an enduring biblical story that has captivated audiences for centuries. It serves as a profound lesson on forgiveness, redemption, and the power of unconditional love. In this review, we will explore the timeless themes and the impact of this parable, both in its original biblical context and how it has been adapted into various forms of media.
Synopsis:
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son” tells the story of a young man who demands his inheritance from his father and subsequently squanders it on a life of reckless indulgence. After hitting rock bottom and realizing the error of his ways, he decides to return home in a state of remorse and repentance. To his surprise, his father greets him with open arms, forgives him, and celebrates his return. The parable delves into the complex dynamics of family relationships, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.
Themes and Messages:
1. Forgiveness and Redemption:
At its core, this parable emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and redemption. It highlights the unconditional love of a father who forgives his wayward son and welcomes him back into the family fold. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far one may stray, there is always an opportunity for repentance and reconciliation.
2. Unconditional Love:
The parable beautifully depicts the unwavering love of a parent for their child. Despite the son’s reckless behavior and betrayal, the father never stops loving him. This portrayal of unconditional love resonates with audiences, reminding us of the depth and resilience of familial bonds.
3. Personal Growth and Change:
The story of the prodigal son showcases the transformative journey of personal growth and change. The son’s experiences away from home lead him to reflect on his actions and ultimately seek redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder that mistakes and hardships can be catalysts for growth and positive change.
Adaptations in Media:
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son” has been adapted into various forms of media, including books, plays, and movies. These adaptations often explore the core themes while adding their own artistic interpretations.
1. Literary Adaptations:
Numerous authors have reimagined the parable in their novels or short stories, providing contemporary perspectives on its themes. These adaptations often explore familial relationships, personal struggles, and the complexities of forgiveness. Notable literary adaptations include “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen and “Home” by Marilynne Robinson.
2. Film Adaptations:
Several filmmakers have brought this parable to life on the silver screen, providing visual interpretations of its powerful messages. These movies often delve into family dynamics, personal growth, and the triumph of forgiveness. Notable film adaptations include “The Prodigal Son” (1900) directed by D.W. Griffith and “The Return of the Prodigal Son” (1999) directed by Jean-Claude Guillebaud.
Conclusion:
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son” is a timeless story that continues to resonate with audiences across centuries and cultures. It explores profound themes of forgiveness, redemption, unconditional love, personal growth, and change. Whether in its original biblical form or through adaptations in various artistic mediums, this parable serves as a powerful reminder of the capacity for transformation within individuals and the enduring power of love and forgiveness.
