Essay and Paragrpah review (E2H)

What is the thesis for the "Free Will" essay prompt?

Both Julius Caesar and The Inferno show that misusing free will for selfish or dishonorable purposes leads to serious consequences and moral downfall.

How does Brutus misuse free will in Julius Caesar?

Brutus chooses to join the conspiracy, believing it's for Rome’s good, but he acts on flawed reasoning and pride, leading to war and his own death.

How is free will portrayed in The Inferno?

Sinners chose their paths with free will and are justly punished; Dante emphasizes that God allows choice, but each choice has eternal consequences.

What is the shared message about free will in both texts?

Free will must be exercised with wisdom and moral responsibility; its abuse brings just and often tragic consequences.

What is the thesis for the "Betrayal" essay prompt?

Both texts show that betrayal, even if justified by the betrayer, leads to punishment, proving that justice ultimately prevails.

How does Brutus commit betrayal and face justice in Julius Caesar?

He betrays Caesar, believing it serves Rome, but causes chaos and civil war. His internal guilt and suicide reflect personal and political justice.

How is betrayal punished in The Inferno?

Traitors are placed in the lowest circle of Hell with Satan, reflecting Dante’s belief that betrayal is the worst sin and deserves eternal punishment.

What shared idea do the texts present about betrayal?

Betrayal violates divine and moral law and is always met with severe justice, either earthly or eternal.

What is a recurring motif in Julius Caesar?

Omens and portents—supernatural signs that warn characters of doom.

What is one example of a warning ignored by Caesar?

The Soothsayer says, “Beware the Ides of March,” but Caesar dismisses it.

What is Calpurnia’s dream, and what does it symbolize?

She dreams of Caesar’s statue bleeding while Romans bathe in the blood, symbolizing Caesar’s assassination and ignored divine warning.

How is The Inferno structured?

It has 9 circles of Hell, organized by sin severity: incontinence, violence, and fraud, ending with betrayal at the bottom.

What is Dante’s intent behind this structure?

To show divine justice and warn readers to examine their own sins and seek repentance.

How does Dante use contrapasso in The Inferno?

Each sinner suffers a punishment that symbolically fits their sin, reflecting moral order and justice.

How does the plot show Dante’s moral development?

He starts with pity but grows to accept divine justice, showing his shift from human sympathy to spiritual understanding.

Who is a strong example of misused free will in The Inferno?

Filippo Argenti, punished in Circle 5 for wrath, who chose to indulge his rage and pride instead of mastering them.

What is Filippo Argenti’s punishment?

He is torn apart by other wrathful souls in the River Styx, symbolizing the chaos caused by his uncontrolled rage.

Why is Filippo Argenti a good example of the free will theme?

He deliberately chose sin and emotional violence, and Dante shows that even passionate, prideful choices carry eternal consequences.