Creative writing Symbolism in children’s literature
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 Power of Symbolism in Children’s Literature
Children’s literature is often filled with symbols and metaphors that go beyond the surface story, offering young readers valuable lessons and insights. Through the use of symbolism, authors can convey complex ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging for children. In this essay, we will explore the significance of symbolism in children’s literature and how it enhances the reading experience for young audiences.
Understanding Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In children’s literature, symbols can take many forms, such as animals, colors, objects, or even characters themselves. By imbuing these symbols with deeper meaning, authors can communicate themes and messages that resonate with young readers on a subconscious level.
For example, in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the White Rabbit symbolizes the concept of time and the importance of being punctual. Through the character of the White Rabbit, Carroll conveys the idea that time waits for no one and the consequences of being disorganized or tardy.
The Role of Symbolism in Children’s Development
Symbolism plays a crucial role in children’s cognitive development and understanding of abstract concepts. By encountering symbols in literature, children learn to think critically and make connections between the text and real-life situations. Symbolism encourages readers to look beyond the literal meaning of the words on the page and consider the underlying themes and messages.
Moreover, symbolism helps children develop empathy and emotional intelligence by exposing them to different perspectives and experiences. By engaging with symbols that represent complex emotions or moral dilemmas, young readers can practice empathy and learn to navigate their own feelings and relationships.
Examples of Symbolism in Popular Children’s Literature
– In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, the rose symbolizes love, beauty, and vulnerability. Through the rose, readers learn about the complexities of relationships and the importance of caring for others.
– In E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, the spider Charlotte symbolizes friendship, sacrifice, and the power of words. Through Charlotte’s actions, readers discover the true meaning of loyalty and selflessness.
– In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the scar on Harry’s forehead symbolizes his connection to Voldemort and the burden he carries as “the chosen one.” This symbol adds depth to Harry’s character and highlights the themes of destiny and courage.
Conclusion
Symbolism enriches children’s literature by adding layers of meaning and depth to stories that resonate with young readers long after they have finished a book. By engaging with symbols, children develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of complex ideas. Authors use symbolism as a powerful tool to convey universal themes and values in a way that is accessible and impactful for children. As young readers explore the world of symbolism in children’s literature, they embark on a journey of discovery and self-reflection that shapes their understanding of themselves and others.