Write a 750-1000 word Expository Essay about a topic of your choice using one of the three structures described in the unit (sequential, problem/solution, or cause/effect).
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 Problem of Plastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Introduction
Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis, posing a significant threat to our planet and its inhabitants. The excessive use and improper disposal of plastic products have led to devastating consequences for our ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. This essay will explore the causes of plastic pollution, its effects on the environment, and propose potential solutions to address this pressing issue.
Causes of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is primarily caused by human activities and the production, consumption, and disposal of plastic products. The following factors contribute to the problem:
Excessive plastic production: The demand for plastic has skyrocketed over the past few decades due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. This has led to an overproduction of plastic items that often end up as waste.
Single-use culture: The rise of single-use plastic items like bags, bottles, and packaging has intensified plastic pollution. These items are typically used once and discarded, leading to a continuous influx of plastic waste.
Improper disposal: Many individuals fail to dispose of plastic waste properly. Plastic often ends up in landfills or is littered, finding its way into rivers and oceans. Inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the problem.
Effects of Plastic Pollution
The effects of plastic pollution are far-reaching and impact various aspects of our environment:
Marine ecosystem degradation: Plastic waste is a significant threat to marine life. Marine animals such as turtles, seabirds, and whales often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to entanglement or ingestion that may result in injury or death.
Water pollution: Plastics that end up in water bodies break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics contaminate water sources and harm aquatic organisms. Additionally, microplastics have been found in tap water and even in some food products consumed by humans.
Land pollution: Plastic pollution also affects terrestrial ecosystems. When plastic waste is improperly disposed of on land, it can leach harmful chemicals into the soil, polluting it and impacting plant growth. This can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.
Climate change contribution: The production and incineration of plastic contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Furthermore, the extraction of fossil fuels used to produce plastic further depletes natural resources.
Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Addressing the problem of plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, governments, and industries. Here are some potential solutions:
Reducing plastic consumption: Governments should implement policies to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging the use of alternative materials or promoting reusable products. Individuals can also make a difference by making conscious choices to reduce their plastic consumption.
Improving recycling infrastructure: Governments and industries should invest in improving recycling facilities and infrastructure to ensure proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste. This includes implementing comprehensive recycling programs and raising awareness about recycling among the public.
Promoting sustainable alternatives: Governments can incentivize the development and use of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. This could involve supporting research and innovation in eco-friendly materials that are biodegradable or compostable.
Educating the public: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution is crucial for changing consumer behavior. Educational campaigns at schools, workplaces, and through media channels can inform the public about the importance of reducing plastic waste and adopting sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that demands immediate attention and action. By understanding the causes and effects of plastic pollution, we can work towards implementing effective solutions. Governments, industries, and individuals must collaborate to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management systems, promote sustainable alternatives, and educate the public about the importance of combating plastic pollution. Only through collective efforts can we mitigate the damage caused by plastic pollution and preserve our planet for future generations.
