Why is classical music becoming more popular these days?
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 Resurgence of Classical Music: Exploring Its Growing Popularity
In recent years, classical music has experienced a notable resurgence in popularity, defying the notion that it is a genre confined to the past. This essay aims to explore some of the reasons behind the increasing popularity of classical music in today’s society.
One factor contributing to the resurgence of classical music is its accessibility through digital platforms. With the advent of streaming services and online platforms, classical music has become more readily available to a wider audience. Listeners now have the opportunity to explore a vast repertoire of classical compositions at their fingertips, breaking down barriers of geography and cost. The ease of access and discovery has allowed classical music to reach new audiences who may have been previously unfamiliar with the genre.
Moreover, classical music’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke deep emotions and create a sense of timelessness. In an era marked by fast-paced lifestyles and constant stimulation, many individuals seek moments of tranquility and reflection. Classical music provides a sanctuary from the chaos, offering a space for contemplation and emotional connection. Its rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and dynamic range have a profound impact on listeners, allowing them to experience a range of emotions and find solace in its beauty.
Another contributing factor is the growing interest in mindfulness and well-being. Classical music has been found to have therapeutic effects on mental health, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. As awareness of the benefits of self-care and mindfulness practices increases, more individuals are turning to classical music as a source of respite and rejuvenation. Its ability to engage the mind, evoke emotions, and promote a sense of calm makes it an attractive choice for those seeking moments of tranquility in their daily lives.
Furthermore, classical music’s timeless appeal is being revitalized by contemporary artists who incorporate classical elements into their work. Many modern musicians blend classical compositions with popular genres, creating unique and captivating fusions that resonate with a wider audience. This cross-pollination of musical styles bridges the gap between classical and contemporary music, appealing to both traditional enthusiasts and those who may have previously overlooked classical compositions.
Additionally, classical music’s growing popularity can be attributed to increased efforts in education and outreach. Schools, orchestras, and organizations are working to expose younger generations to classical music through educational programs, concerts, and community initiatives. By fostering an appreciation for this genre from an early age, more individuals are becoming lifelong enthusiasts and actively engaging with classical music throughout their lives.
In conclusion, the increasing popularity of classical music can be attributed to its accessibility through digital platforms, its ability to provide moments of tranquility and emotional connection, its therapeutic effects on mental health, the fusion of classical elements with contemporary music, and efforts in education and outreach. As more individuals discover the profound beauty and timeless appeal of classical compositions, the genre continues to captivate audiences and thrive in today’s society.
