Write an essay about Plot synopsis of undun album by the roots
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
Undun: A Musical Journey of Life and Tragedy
Introduction
Undun, the tenth studio album by the influential hip-hop band The Roots, is a conceptual masterpiece that tells the poignant story of a young man named Redford Stephens. Released in 2011, this album takes listeners on a narrative journey, exploring themes of life, death, and the consequences of choices. In this essay, we will provide a plot synopsis of Undun, highlighting key moments and themes that contribute to its compelling narrative.
Act One: The Life of Redford Stephens
Undun opens with “Dun,” an instrumental track that sets the melancholic and introspective tone for the album. The narrative then begins with “Sleep,” introducing listeners to Redford Stephens, a fictional character based on real-life stories of individuals caught in cycles of poverty and violence. Redford grows up in a rough neighborhood and becomes involved in drug dealing as a means to escape his circumstances.
As the album progresses, songs like “Make My” and “Stomp” depict Redford’s daily struggles and the allure of street life. The fast-paced and aggressive beats mirror the intensity of his experiences. However, there are glimpses of vulnerability, particularly in tracks like “One Time” and “The OtherSide,” where Redford reflects on the consequences of his choices and longs for a different path.
Act Two: Reflections on Life and Death
The middle section of Undun delves deeper into Redford’s psyche, exploring his relationships, regrets, and contemplation of mortality. Songs such as “Lighthouse” and “Tip the Scale” provide introspective moments, as Redford questions the purpose and meaning of his existence. These tracks are characterized by introspective lyrics and haunting melodies that create a sense of introspection and soul-searching.
The standout track of Act Two is “I Remember,” which serves as a turning point in the narrative. Here, Redford reflects on his childhood innocence and contemplates how his life could have been different if he had made different choices. The emotional weight of this song is palpable, resonating with listeners as they empathize with the character’s struggles.
Act Three: The Tragic End
As Undun reaches its conclusion, the narrative takes a darker turn. The album’s final act explores Redford’s realization that he cannot escape the consequences of his actions. Songs like “Redford” and “Possibility” capture the haunting beauty of acceptance and resignation. Redford’s fate is sealed, and the album ends with a poignant instrumental track, “Will to Power,” leaving listeners with a sense of melancholy and reflection.
Themes and Reflections
Undun explores several recurring themes throughout its narrative journey. One prevalent theme is the cyclical nature of poverty and violence, highlighting how individuals like Redford can become trapped in circumstances beyond their control. The album also delves into themes of regret, mortality, and the search for redemption. Through its introspective lyrics and evocative musical arrangements, Undun encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and choices.
Conclusion
Undun is not just an album; it is a storytelling experience that transcends traditional boundaries. The Roots masterfully weave together music, lyrics, and narrative to create a deeply moving exploration of life’s complexities. Through the tragic story of Redford Stephens, Undun invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the consequences of their choices. This album stands as a testament to the power of music to convey profound emotions and narratives that resonate deeply with its audience.
