Participants are asked to reflect on one of two themes: social media’s impact on society or the relevance of the Divine Comedy.
There are two questions for entrants to choose between.
The first:
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) has changed our life. Psychologists and sociologists question what drives people to share their photos, personal thoughts, family moments, emotions and experiences in a public forum. How would you explain these behaviours? Do you think that there are elements of narcissism, high or low self-esteem, or the desire to present a different image of oneself in virtual spaces? What is your relationship with social media?
The second:
‘You were not made to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.’ Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy – one of the most important texts from medieval literature – suggests that one’s life should be devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Do you think that this line affirms the Divine Comedy’s relevance to modern society? Do you think that the evils of society, which led Dante to put characters who really existed in various circles of Hell, are still relevant today? What are your thoughts on this topic?
The competition is open to individuals studying Italian or Italian culture at a university, school or institution in the Sydney area.
The basic requirements and conditions for participation are as follows: the text must be written in Italian and be unpublished.
Further terms and conditions are available on the Dante Alighieri Society of Sydney’s website.
Entries must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm on November 1, 2021.
The jury will award three prizes: $600 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place.
All prize-winners will receive a certificate of recognition.
The jury may also award two entrants with certificates of merit.
