St. Augustine and Virgil’s Influence in Dante’s Inferno

Reaching an epiphany after a lengthy, perilous journey may seem like the content pertinent for mythological legends. However, the epic poems of St. Augustine, Virgil, and Dante share similar themes and have an important relevance to Christianity. Virgil's The Aeneid follows the story of Aeneas who encountered hardships and travels to the underworld to maintain his destiny of establishing Rome. Dante's Inferno follows a spiritually indigent Dante through the nine rings of hell with the purpose of realizing simplicity and reuniting with his wife in heaven. Finally, St. Augustine's Confessions are an autobiography that details the life of its author in search of a spiritual awakening. An exploration of Dante's Inferno comprises inspirations and influences from the other two pieces of literature copiously in setting and subject matter.Virgil's InfluenceVirgil's The Aeneid influences Dante's work through a definition of a hell that is composed of multiple stages and punishment intensities for its unfortunate inhabitants. Dante's Inferno reveals a journey through the nine rings of hell (Hunt et al. 369). Through his journey, Dante identifies different parts in hell where people are suffering from different punishments Minervino 2 based on their sins. In this hell, he journeys more in-depth into the rings to the pit that holds the most villainous characters in religious history s uch as Judas and Lucifer (Dante, Longfellow, and Dore 212). Comparably, Virgil had developed this narrative in his works, which were written before Dante's. Virgil's The Aeneid shows Aeneas travel through different avenues of hell such as the Field of Mourning where adulterous suffered a horrid punishment (Puchner et al. 999). As they travel deeper into the underworld, Aeneas and Sybil come across a fortress where Rhadamanthus punishes the evilest people with intense torture (Virgil and Fagles 189). Virgil's formation of the underworld has recognizable bearings on Dante's explication of hell. The structural and operational similarity is an affirmation of Virgil's The Aeneid's influence on Dante's Inferno. Moreover, Virgil's narrative necessitates the assistance of a spiritual guide, a trope that Dante incorporated into the Inferno. The Aeneid's protagonist, Aeneas, follows a Sybil also referred to as a priestess through the underworld (Virgil and Fagles 172). Similarly, Dante follows the ghost of a deceased poet called Virgil (Dante, Longfellow and Dore 4). One significant similarity between the guides is their wisdom and strength (Puchner et al. 1465). They are decisive and very powerful such that they can travel around hell with little culmination to themselves and their special formulations. Dante's comparison of Virgil is an satirical guidance of Virgil's clarification of the Sybil.St. Augustine's InfluenceSt. Augustine's Confessions also has a notable influence on the subject matter shown in Dante's Inferno. Unlike Virgil's work, these two pieces of literature detail colossal ramifications concerning religion. Dante and St. Augustine's works are journeys to spiritual clarity (Enr ight Minervino 3 33). Dante's Inferno originates with a lost Dante wandering in a dark forest (Dante, Longfellow and Dore 1). However, he is unable to reach the light prompting him to turn back where he meets a guide, who promises to help him achieve righteousness and see his wife in heaven. Similarly; St. Augustine travels the world without much purpose other than engaging in materialistic pleasures such as sexual exploration (Puchner et al. 1127). However, upon reaching the garden in Milan, he achieves clarity and conversion (St. Augustine and Pusey 106). Dante also achieves a similar epiphany upon exiting hell into the earth. This understanding suggests that St. Augustine's Confessions had a profound ramification on Dante's Inferno.ConclusionSt. Augustine and Virgil's works of literature had a profound influence on Dante's work. Virgil's The Aeneid developed a conceptualization of hell that Dante later adapted to his work. The visualization of a portioned hell that caters to sins differently based on their intensity appears prominently in either author's work. On the other hand, St. Augustine's Confessions has an important influence on Dante's subject matter of a journey to redemption and eventual spiritual empowerment. Therefore, St. Augustine and Virgil's works were important in developing the Epic poem Dante's Inferno.?

Judaism And Early Christianity Essay

Judaism and Christianity forms part of the Abrahamic religions where Islam is the third. They both believe in ancestral background of Abraham where they believe in the great covenant between God and Abraham. However, Judaism and Christianity posses both similarity and differences. They both follow suit the bible as the holy book. However Christianity has Sunday as their worship day while Saturday is for the Judaism. They both depict a close relationship in theological and historical backgrounds. However they posses substantial distinctions which emanate from the nature of their religious response. The basic similarities born to the Christians is because it came from Judaism. Its breakdown from Judaism however led to a totally different religion though sharing some specific characteristics. As much difference as occurring between the two, they are almost the same believing in the biblical teachings and a divine supernatural being. An important opening comparison between the two is that they belief in Abraham as their founding ancestor. To the Judaism however, they have a basic belief of all the religions as being God’s children whom therefore brings a sense of equality to them all. They have the believe of God’s love for his people but does not campaign on sole conversion towards Judaism for them to have salvation. In the same however, it welcomes those who wish to join this religion without hesitation of what would be their current religions background. (http://www. catholiceducation. org/articles/apologetics/ap0007. html) Generally, both can be argued as monotheistic which means the believe in one powerful God. However, as much as monotheism is a similarity of God, a difference exists between the two on the nature of this God. To the Judaism, God cannot be broken down into other parts. They thus believe in a sole and a full God. However, Christians have the sense of Trinitarian where God exists in God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. Therefore, though sharing the perception of one God, a sense of incompatibility arises when the existence of God as a whole according to Judaism has a subdivided personality according to Christians. To Judaism, idea of one God brings the essence of unity and the unique nature of his force towards the cosmos. To them (Judaism) God is the sole creator of everything. They refer Trinitarianism as weakening the essence of God’s unity /oneness. (Diane, 1992) However, a contrast of view exists between the two in their view about Jesus. To the Christians, they have Jesus has a Central pillar in their religion. He is part of the God’s trinity. He is the Son of God and gives the revelation of God through the flesh. To then, the belief that Jesus is the incarnate God who existed in flesh and came to save the sins of man through his death. However, a different point of view exists in Judaism about Jesus. To them, Jesus was just a mere Son of God but existed like a general human being to them. He has no power of saving human souls and therefore did not rise from his death. He had no power of absorbing man’s sins. Forgiveness is what removes man’s sins but not atonement of Jesus. To the Christians however, he came to replace the dominant Jewish law which however is contrasted by the Jewish. A contrast also sexists in their view of Jesus as the Messiah. This is true to the Chriatianity. However, the Judaism has the view that Messiah will be unique human being who will bring liberation towards human piece. To them, Messiah exists only when the whole worlds gets into peace. However, Jesus’ era on earth could not provide this. To the Jews however, a different pedigree of understanding about Jesus as man exists. (http://www. catholiceducation. org/articles/apologetics/ap0007. html) A conception into the traditions of the original sin and the doctrine of a free will elsewhere exists between the two. To the Judaism, original sin is a mere mythology. They reject the aspect that people are born with sins, which can only be removed whenever they believe in Jesus in his sacrificial death. To the Christians, salvation is the only way in which human sins can be washed away. However, the Jewish has the view that man is never good nor bad at birth. Consequently, they possess both good and bad inclinations at their birth. However, to them is the aspect of free will from which they choose how to model their conceptions. Their morality is built on ethics, which grants them the opportunity for choosing what best to do at specific times in time. (Diane, 1992) A similarity and difference in life on earth and after death also exist. To both, lives after death is a consequent reality. To the Jews however, an importance should be attached to improving life on the earth, which is important in improving the status of the world. However, they never count on the importance of life after death. They argue on death as a component towards giving life its overall meaning. They belief that whatever life is taken after death is to the best interest of God. They however lack of a clear sense of hell and heaven. To the Christians however, life is death is real and is modeled in response to what extent a person had when a life. They belief on life after death for those who went after God’s teachings while a life. (Richard, 1983) It clear that monotheism, Abrahamism and biblical understanding are the basic ideologies that the two share in common. However, they a plugged into different understanding of how their sacred lives are undertaken. Reference Comparing Christianity & Judaism. Retrieved on 10th May 2008 from http://www. catholiceducation. org/articles/apologetics/ap0007. html Diane, W (1992) Christianity & Judaism. Blackwell Publishers Richard, W (1983) Christianity and Judaism. The Deepening Dialogue. Ridge Row Press

Assessing Importance of School Factors Such as Racism Essay

A variety of material disadvantages that may confront ethnic minorities coming from working class backgrounds are they do not achieve the same level of education. The main achievers are Indian, Chinese and African students, but the lowest achievers are Turkish, Bangladeshi And Afro Caribbean students. The white working class students are the lowest achieving, which is peculiar because most sociologists are white who stereotype and label other students from different backgrounds. The main cause of underachievement in schools are cultural and language factors which sociologists clarify and focus on and are thought to be main cause of everything. Previously the spotlight has been put on what happens in school and racism in common As shown by Cecile Wright, which explains that, Asian students can also be the victims of teachers Cecile found out that regardless of the schools evident promise to equal opportunities, teachers still hold ethnocentric views they believe that British culture and English are greater. This prepared teachers to assume that they would have a poor pronunciation of English and left them out of class debates or used basic, childlike speech when speaking to them. Asian pupils also felt cut off when teachers spoken dissatisfaction of their behaviour or misread their names. Teachers saw them not as a risk but as a difficulty they could take no notice of. This resulted in that Asian pupils in particular the girls were hard-pressed to the limits and disallowed from play a part fully. Close at hand is proof of teacher racial discrimination and harmful labelling. Nevertheless study shows that pupils can take action in variety of ways. They may take action by becoming unsettling or withdrawn but pupils may decline to agree to the label and even choose to prove it incorrect by putting in hard work. Off-putting labels do not repeatedly twist into self-fulfilling prophecy Working class white pupils attain below standards and have lesser desires. There isn’t much parental support at home, which means there is low achievement and goals. Reports show that teachers have to deal with low level of behaviour and discipline in white working class schools. Nevertheless they had fewer kids on benefit programs teachers blame this on inadequate parental support at home and negative attitude that white working class parents have towards their children and their education. The life in the street for white working class can be tough for pupils which means they get used to getting intimidating and intimidate other which they pick up and use in school to cause disruptions and make it hard for other students to succeed at school. Underachievement of student of different is blamed on cultural deprivation. Few sociologists say that Afro-Caribbean families lack a close relationship to their family and therefore are extremely violent towards everything they do. Arguments explain that families aren’t very supportive towards their children and they don’t offer enough cultural capital for their children. Stereotypical views suggest those students are not deprived because of their class or because of their backgrounds. Factors like social class are important to certain ethnic minorities like Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and a considerable amount of Afro-Caribbean students, which are all working class backgrounds in which material deprivation play a main role because to find out why they achieve below the national standards. Sociologists say schools and curriculums made just for one specific group of ethnic minority gives priority to one particular ethnic minority while disregarding other ethnic groups. Some schools have curriculums, which are ethnocentric because they only give priority to English languages. The British curriculum has been described as exclusively British. In history Britain is thought to bring civilisation to ancient people are colonised. Black people as inferior weakens black children’s self esteem and Leads to them to underachieving and failing. It isn’t for sure what effects the ethnocentric study shows that black don’t really suffer from low self esteem. Wright’s study found some ethnic minority groups received poorer interaction from staff. Teachers perceptions were seem as stereotypical although Asian students were seen as good and black students were seen disruptive and disobedient. Study show that schools in cities which contain ethnic minority students were not benefitting in terms of O Levels entries because of being in low set and having to achieve high grade in order to get good results and become successful. Overall taking into consideration we can not split or label ethnicity from social classes and gender since this is really difficult matter as some of the main achieving students are from ethnic minorities so for that reason there isn’t a connection here so we can’t make statements or come to conclusions as to what the association among ethnic groups and schools actually are. Pupils can refuse to accept negative classing and teacher expectations. Sociologists can’t come to a conclusion to explain what occurs between teacher and students or what takes place in different ethnic groups related to education. Students live up to roles they are given but can try to resist the labels and getting put behind by carrying out what is thought of them to do or do what they want to do and achieve good education and become successful.

Autobiography of a Yogi: Summary Essay

quite different from his or her own. The journey to assimilation is portrayed uniquely by Okada as he writes his character in ways different from other writers of whom are portraying Asian Americans at this time. In an article, written by Mr. Stan Yogi, ‘You had to be One or the Other: Oppositions and Reconciliation in John Okada’s No-no Boy,’ it is stated that Asian Americans are often portrayed as ‘docile, patient’ peoples. Many of Okada’s characters do not feature these qualities; they are often†¦ and now he’ll shrivel up like a prune if you let him. With any luck, I’ll have him holding his own fishing pole by this spring, and I’ve already got my eyes on a little pair of water skis. Who knows, maybe 20 years from now, he’ll be writing an autobiography about how growing up on the water help shape his life too.†¦ been his way of showing that you go out with a fight because of the way he ends his Autobiography. Franklin showed his successful stand against the proprietary estate holders against the tax law. Most men would not end their autobiography on the terms of a won fight like this unless they were boasting; even if a little. Conclusion The life carved out for Benjamin Franklin through the words of his autobiography is a portrait of a man who started out with self-acclaim and pridefulness that all†¦ Wherever There’s a Fight by Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi, is a book that narrows down the struggles of man and woman of all colors to protect and extend their civil rights liberties. It provides stories of events in history that marked the lives of many people.The stories described in the book show how many people were being discriminated for the way they looked, the disability they had, their sexualaty for being black, latino, or Japanese. It gives the reader an image of all the injustices and†¦ Bam, Quay, Dino, and Yogi rode through the city for hours searching for the Hurst and eventually they gave up in order to get some rest. Intoxicated and tired, Bam drove everyone to the apartment and that’s where they crashed until the sun rose. Nessa and Olivia had stayed up worried sick about them and finally they could put their mind at rest. Now, for a chance, everyone in the house had finally fallen asleep. Nessa slept on the lounge chair as usual. Quay, Yogi, and Dino fell asleep on the floor†¦ race, gender or beliefs. Gandhi: An Autobiography and The Help portray multiple insights of the world in the 1900’s compared to modern day society. Social justice is a major theme in The Help and Gandhi: An Autobiography. In these two books we see how society can be a cruel mistress. How people of different races are treated throughout time and how the main characters never give up on hope for a better future in our community. In Gandhi: An Autobiography and The Help, the social aspect of†¦ Sexual Autobiography Shaping my sexual behavior was generally influenced by my mom. I learned to be dependent on men and use safe sex through media. Gender sex roles also placed me to be secretive with my sex life and nurturing. My body image makes me insecure when it comes to intimacy. There were no specific sexual guidelines that my family made me follow. I was raised in a family where I was able to explore and have my own opinions about sexual situations. Not having guidelines or a path made†¦ worth writing and then wrote about it in his autobiography. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin is a different beast in its literature. Unlike most books, and possibly most autobiographies as well, Franklin’s autobiography does not have a smooth flow between his three sections. These abrupt transition could be accounted for by the many years of break Franklin took in between each section. The overall theme for Franklin’s autobiography is for one to become self developing. As Franklin†¦ The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was not an easy book to read. Writing styles have changed tremendously since the 1700’s. Despite the cultural differences I learned a lot about the man and the time. Benjamin Franklin was a remarkable man. He was a printer, author, politician and an inventor. He was one of fifteen children in his family. Because he was from such a large family he was sent out to work at a very early age. He only had a few years†¦ From an Electrician to a Teacher: An Autobiography â€Å"The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of joy, meaning and passion.† – Angel Chernoof* I firmly believe that to be successful and flourish in education and childhood learning, your heart must lead you to this passion – as my heart did a year ago. Coming out of high school, my dreams were far beyond teaching and spending a lifetime discovering†¦

Writing assingment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Writing assingment - Assignment Example Richard went to a great extend just to impress her (cleanliness). Within his school, no one seemed to understand him. Some thought he was just a fool who did not know anything. However, he was a normal kid faced with many challenges. For instance, poor housing, hunger, among many more. A few days before the Negro payday, students were supposed to pledge on behalf of their parents. Because of his love for Helene, Dick had a plan of topping up to her pledge. Unfortunately, his name was not read, and when he rose up to inquire, the teacher put him to shame. He was told that the contribution was not meant for him and those of his kind. Further, she said he did not have a father (Lunsford, 2013). Each person need to be treated equally regardless of race and background. In the short story, Gregory has been subjected to some racial discrimination. He was differentiated in a particular manner that made it seem like all minorities had to undergo. His teacher specifically did this during his early years of schooling. It is because he was from the poverty-stricken class. Consequently, this demoralized him; to the extent that he did not attend his classes as he used to. Moreover, it went ahead to affect his social life. This is because the teacher’s comments had a negative impact towards his self-esteem. As a result, he became sensitive to the slightest matter regarding him. This could evidently be seen in his change of attitude towards relief clothes and food. It was unfair for Gregory to be treated differently, yet he was a normal human being. If only the teacher could mind the aftermath of his sentiments, Gregory could be a better person today (Lunsford, 2013). Initially, the responsibility of cleaning the blackboard had been left for Gregory alone. To him this was an impression that he was important to the teacher. Foregoing the act of cleaning on a Friday usually made him feel incomplete the following school day. Cleaning the blackboard was less important

Hiring Police Academy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hiring Police Academy - Essay Example Here, it is the danger that creates a bond among all the officers alike because there are no barriers of race or class. At the Academy, they live as one great community by overcoming racial and caste differences while sharing rich experiences. The job of police personnel in the Academy is unique because it gives them an identity of great importance. Training at the Police Academy though strenuous, does give one the impression that it is a very well – disciplined organization that transforms its recruits into highly trained professionals. Trainees learn the different military commands and violations are strictly punished while efficiency is well rewarded. Trainees do not possess police powers nor are they allowed possession of a gun, but after their training they are allowed to do these things. Ethics (chap.5) by Crank and Caldero (2004) is one of the most important and popular subjects in the criminal justice system which goes to prove that ethical values have to be inculcated into police officers regime for more favorable and respectable outcomes. Screening recruits on the basis of knowledge and values has become a priority when choosing people before imparting training. Pre- hiring procedures include Knowledge testing, physical fitness and agility, background, psychological testing besides a polygraph and oral interview.

Web Design Rationale Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Web Design Rationale - Essay Example The laundry business has long been a major source of income for many individuals (Yung, et.al., 2006). The industrial revolution has brought forth the use of washing machines, which has then led to businesses within the laundry services line (Yung, et.al., 2006). To date, this business has grown and expanded. In the current age of computers and the Internet, most businesses have now included online features for their clientele (Yung, et.al., 2006). Significant improvements in these online features have been added throughout the years, including the various options available for customers. This website features a description of the kind of basic services offered by the business, including the types of items which they can clean as well as the prices corresponding to each type of laundry. The website includes a phone number and the address of the laundry service. Other services including the repair of clothes would also be seen on the site. Additional features which would be included i n the website are the following: 1. What they offer. Additional features to be added would include wedding laundry, domestic laundry, restaurant laundry, and hotel laundry. These are distinct and specific types of laundry which often require different types of handling. Wedding laundry would likely include clothes for the bride/groom and the entourage. Items of this nature are delicate and require an enormous amount of care – more than what is usually needed for other types of laundry. The other kinds of laundry mentioned above would have qualities specific to their industry. Hotel laundry would likely include mostly linens; restaurant laundry would likely include items which may be stained with food items or grease and would require stain removal processes. Adding specificity to the website would immediately inform the clients about the possible options they have; it would also entice specific businesses involved, including hotels and restaurants and other institutions who e ncounter specific problems with their laundry (Burge and Brown, 1998). In effect, this added feature would identify clients, often making them feel entitled to specialised and personalised services. Posting these details on the website would also indicate who their target audience is. 2. Contact us. (Twitter, Facebook, email, phone). This feature taps into the social media and the connectivity of telecommunications. The fastest and most popular tool on the Internet these days is the social media, and this tool has become one of the most convenient means by which free and widespread advertising can be utilised (Stephanidis, 2011). Where these contact measures are made possible, greater accessibility is guaranteed. Adding the email and phone features helps cover all the possible options for communicating with the business, thereby ensuring that the clients would have the power to choose which contact means they would use (Stephanidis, 2011). 3. About us. This feature would describe th e laundry house, specify its features and options, and why it is the best choice to fit the needs of any customer seeking laundry services (Lee, 2004). It would also describe the exemplary quality of the laundry services, as well as the favourable reputation of the business (Lee, 2004). This feature would basically introduce the customer to the website and the laundry servic