For The Short Essay, You May Focus On Any Of The Required Ar ✓ Solved

For The Short Essay You May Focus On Any Of the Required Readings Thro

For the Short Essay you may focus on any of the required readings through week 5: “The Lottery,” “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas,” “The Code of Hammurabi,” Deuteronomy, Antigone, Dante’s Inferno, “The Trial of Susanna Martin” from Cotton Mather’s Wonders of the Invisible World, or “Snow White.” What I would like you to do for the Short Essay is to write about a character, an issue or a theme from one of the above reading selections. You may consider the theme of good versus evil OR the theme of a noble character OR you may discuss what constitutes effective law and order (or criminal behavior) in the society that created the document. You may also consider how legal codes from the society of the reading selection differ from those in twenty-first-century America.

You may also talk about a contemporary issue that mirrors or is reminiscent of the issues described in the literature—how are they the same and how are they different. For example: the death penalty is a crucial part of both Deuteronomy and The Code of Hammurabi; what sorts of controversies surround the death penalty today? Another example: We see Creon’s inflexibility as a lethal character flaw. Has inflexibility in our legal system caused any controversial problems? This paper should be about 4 pages in length. Sample of what is required is attached.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The exploration of justice, law, and morality in classical and modern literature reveals enduring human dilemmas. In this essay, I will analyze the character of Creon from Sophocles’ “Antigone,” focusing on his rigid enforcement of law and its implications for justice and societal stability. By comparing Creon’s inflexibility with contemporary legal issues, I aim to highlight how absolutist attitudes in law can lead to tragic consequences.

The Character of Creon and His Inflexibility

Creon, the King of Thebes in “Antigone,” embodies the legalistic approach to justice. His decree prohibiting the burial of Polynices exemplifies strict adherence to state laws over personal or divine considerations. Creon’s inflexibility, driven by his belief in order and authority, ultimately results in tragedy—his stubbornness prevents reconciliation and blinds him to moral nuances (Sophocles, 441 BCE).

Themes of Law and Morality

The play raises important questions about the conflict between human law and divine law. Antigone’s refusal to obey Creon’s edict in favor of divine law illustrates the moral superiority of personal conscience over state mandates. Conversely, Creon’s rigid stance signifies the dangers of an uncompromising legal system that neglects moral and ethical complexities.

Comparison with Contemporary Legal Issues

In modern society, inflexibility within the legal system can lead to controversial outcomes, such as debates over mandatory minimum sentences or the death penalty. Just as Creon’s inflexibility results in disaster, overly rigid laws may produce unjust consequences, depriving individuals of mercy or reconsideration. For instance, the debates on the death penalty involve complex considerations of justice, morality, and human rights (Bohm & Haley, 2017).

Legal Codes Then and Now

Ancient legal codes like Hammurabi’s Code emphasized harsh retribution and strict punishments, reflecting a punitive mindset. Today, modern legal systems aim to incorporate rehabilitative and restorative principles, focusing on fairness and human rights while still grappling with challenges of enforcement and moral ambiguity (Gordon, 2018).

Contemporary Reflection and Conclusion

The character of Creon exemplifies how inflexibility can be detrimental both in ancient and modern contexts. While laws are essential for societal order, they must be balanced with moral wisdom and flexibility. The tragic consequences of Creon’s rigidity serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us that justice must include compassion and adaptability to ensure societal harmony.

References

  • Bohm, R. M., & Haley, K. N. (2017). Justice, punishment, and the death penalty. Routledge.
  • Gordon, S. (2018). Legal systems and society: Historical perspectives. Cambridge University Press.
  • Sophocles. (441 BCE). Antigone. (Translated editions)

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