2007. In many works of literature, past events can affect, positively or negatively, the present activities, attitudes, or values of a character. Choose a novel or play in which a character must contend with some aspect of the past, either personal or societal. Then write an essay in which you show how the character's relationship to the past contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
First impressions are always very important, even in a piece of literature. Often, an event in the past can shape the whole future of the book. This is the case in Pride and Prejudice. In the first few chapters of Pride and Prejudice there is a huge party held at Mr. Bingley's mansion. At this gathering, lasting impressions are made and shape the story as it progresses. Because of the party, the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy seems more unlikely than before and contributes to the message that Jane Austen attempts to convey through the text. Through the use of past events, Austen creates an unlikely relationship that greatly differs from those of her time to show her disapproval of the marriage customs of her time.
Being the first introduction to most of the characters in the play, this party goes into detail about the personality of the main characters in this novel. Here, the reader can see just how different all of the Bennet sisters are. Lydia is young and slightly wild, Elizabeth is has bit of a temper and is stubborn, and finally, Jane who is kind and overall very compassionate toward others. Their personalities shape the way in which the interact at this party and with the others there. The distinct difference tend to determine the types of relationships these women hold later on in the novel. Lydia runs off with Wickham with little thought beforehand, showing her young personality with this relationship. Jane’s attitude is showcased in her relationship with Mr. Bingley and the slow and gentle nature of it. These relationships started at the party continue throughout the novel.
In the case of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, this is one event that shapes their relationship for the duration of the book. After overhearing Mr. Darcy talking about her, Elizabeth is quick to pass judgement on him. Because of this, Elizabeth sees Mr. Darcy as full of himself and not worth her time. This affects the dynamic of their relationship throughout the whole book. Mr. Darcy begins to fall for Elizabeth, however she is reluctant to let him into her life. Elizabeth associates Darcy, with the first time she met him for the majority of the book. She has trouble putting the past behind her with Darcy and denies each one of his romantic advances. After much effort is put in on Mr. Darcy's part, the painful past slowly leaves Elizabeth's mind and eventually leads to them being together. The unlikely relationship created despite a horrid first impression helps Austen prove that if two people are meant to be together they will be. Their relationship is specifically created to showcase the love that Austen wishes that she could have.
I only think some of this essay answers the prompt. You could have something with your example of Elizabeth's first impression of Darcy affecting the development of their relationship, but you should include details about the first time they met such as Mr. Darcy saying that she is "not handsome enough to tempt me." I'm not sure if your other examples support your prompt. For example, you talk about the personalities of the characters, and how that affects events in the book, but the prompts asks for past events and personalities are not events. If you need more evidence you could discuss how Jane was in a relationship that she thought would lead to an engagement but he left her, and that is why is so shy around suitors which leads Mr. Darcy to believe that she is indifferent about Mr. Bingley. Also, the very last sentence of your essay does not relate to the prompt. Considering the examples you chose, I don't think the meaning has anything to do with "the love Austen wishes that she could have," which seemed to pop out of nowhere at the end. Pride and Prejudice can be a good topic for this prompt I think you just need to look a little deeper for evidence.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alison critique, particularly what she said about your second paragraph. Although the reader sees the personalities of the daughters at the party, it doesn't really qualify as an aspect of the past. Like Alison said, the prompt is looking for you to find past events or situations, not character traits. Another smaller thing I noticed was that you can get rid of a couple redundant words like "always" in the first sentence, and "first" in the first sentence of the second paragraph.
ReplyDeleteStill, pretty good job on your revision.