how does Charles dickens present hope in a Christmas carol? use quotes and analysis to back up points
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 Theme of Hope in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
In Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” the theme of hope is intricately woven throughout the narrative, offering a message of redemption, transformation, and the possibility of a brighter future. Through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits that visit him, Dickens masterfully presents hope as a catalyst for personal growth and societal change. This essay will explore how hope is portrayed in “A Christmas Carol,” utilizing quotes and analysis to support key points.
Thesis Statement
In “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens portrays hope as a powerful force that has the ability to inspire change, foster compassion, and bring about redemption. Through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge and the messages conveyed by the spirits, Dickens emphasizes the importance of hope in guiding individuals towards a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
Hope in Redemption
One of the central themes of “A Christmas Carol” is the idea of redemption through hope. Scrooge, initially portrayed as a miserly and selfish character, undergoes a profound transformation as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these encounters, Scrooge is confronted with the consequences of his actions and given a glimpse of what could be if he chooses to embrace hope and change his ways. When Scrooge expresses remorse and pledges to mend his behavior, there is a sense of hope for his redemption. As Scrooge reflects on his past mistakes, he exclaims, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future” (Stave 4). This quote showcases Scrooge’s newfound sense of hope and determination to lead a better life, highlighting the transformative power of redemption.
Hope in Compassion
Furthermore, Dickens uses the character of Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, to exemplify the role of hope in fostering compassion and goodwill towards others. Despite Scrooge’s cold and dismissive attitude towards Christmas and his family, Fred continues to extend invitations to his uncle, expressing hope that Scrooge will eventually join in the festivities and mend their strained relationship. When Fred warmly greets Scrooge with open arms on Christmas Day, he embodies the spirit of hope and forgiveness. Fred’s words, “I have always thought of Christmas time… as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time” (Stave 1), reflect his unwavering belief in the power of hope to bring people together and inspire acts of kindness and generosity.
Hope in Transformation
Lastly, Dickens illustrates how hope can lead to personal transformation and positive change in individuals. As Scrooge experiences a series of revelations through his encounters with the spirits, he undergoes a profound shift in perspective that ultimately leads to his rebirth as a compassionate and generous individual. When Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning with a renewed sense of hope and purpose, he exclaims, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy” (Stave 5). This moment signifies Scrooge’s complete metamorphosis, brought about by the transformative power of hope and the realization that it is never too late to change for the better.
Conclusion
In “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens masterfully presents hope as a transformative and redemptive force that has the power to inspire change, foster compassion, and lead to personal growth. Through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and the messages conveyed by the spirits, Dickens conveys a powerful message about the importance of embracing hope in order to create a more compassionate and fulfilling existence. By showcasing the journey of redemption, compassion, and transformation experienced by Scrooge, Dickens highlights the enduring significance of hope in guiding individuals towards a brighter future filled with joy, generosity, and love.
