A Comparison of Cultural Differences
A comparison of the cultural differences between Fourteenth Century Florence and the present as represented by Dante's characters in hell. Throughout history many aspects of life have changed between the modern day and the Fourteenth Century Florence. These aspects are the political powers, power and freedom of religion, and family bonds; some of these have been for the better while others have not. These three aspects are most prevalent in Dante's charters in hell. Every one of the souls in hell has at one time gone against one of these powers, and that is the main reason they are in the city of Dis. In the Fourteenth Century a multitude of political leaders were born into power because of their extreme wealth. Therefore, they passed laws based on what they wanted rather than what the people desired. The other offices were filled with friends and associates of the king or leader. This closely parallels China, a communist government, which gives the people few options in their lives. In the present day the political standings are more people centered rather than money driven. The leade
rs are voted in by the people based on their standing on a variety of issues. When they go to pass laws, they have to be approved by a council of representatives, who are also chosen by the people. All other offices are filled the same way that the leader is, elected based on their standings regarding different issues. The souls in hell that represent the political side, the Sowers of Political Discord "... shall be thrown from their ships into the sea and drown in the raging tides near La Cattolica to satisfy a tyrant's treachery." (28.79-81) The importance of family bonds in the Fourteenth Century is also prevalent. People had respect for their family's bond and history. Families were very close, and all generations had respect for each other. An important object in the family was the crest, which was one of the best representations of a person and their family. This importance is shown in the Usurers as Dante sees in the circle seven, round three "... I observed that from each neck there hung an enormous purse, each marked with its own beast and its own colors like a coat of arms." (1
Some common words found in the essay are:
Fourteenth Century, Usurers Dante, La Cattolica, Century Florence, Dante Alighieri, God Dante, David Koresh, Political Discord, fourteenth century, , political standings, today's society, family bonds, fourteenth century florence, souls hell, government political, modern day, role religion, religion government, government political standings, role religion government, offices filled,
Approximate Word count = 742
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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