Stephen Simmons
AP English/Mr. George
9/28/09
Proposal Analysis
Mr. Collins’ proposal or argument is ineffective because he fails to use pathos, he uses logos and fails to appeal to Elizabeth through his foolish reasoning and ideals.
Mr. Collins initiates his proposal by talking about Elizabeth and praising qualities that he is attributing to her “unwillingness…natural delicacy” and explaining why it was that he had chosen her to marry. However, he falls short, and does not enlighten Elizabeth about any of his qualities, or any emotions or feeling he may have for her. This is one of the many mistakes Mr. Collins makes throughout his proposal. Proceeding his opening explanation, Mr. Collins lacks pathos because he deliberately states three reasons as to why he must marry Elizabeth, that have more to do with logic and convenience than any kind of emotion. It is as if is reading them from a proposal for dummies book, he says:
“My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly – which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness”(Austen)
Mr. Collins lacks pathos because his proposal relies on reason and logic, and no emotion. Although Mr. Collins uses logic and reason to make a case for Elizabeth to accept his offer, he uses his knowledge and logic in the wrong way. His reasons circle around him and only him. His desire to have a wife, to please Lady de Bourgh and help the Bennet Family out. He does not cause his words to naturally flow from his heart, but from his head and selfishness. After unconvincingly stating the reasoning for his proposal Mr. Collins produces many arguments as to why Elizabeth must be with him. He states that if Elizabeth were to marry him, that she could keep their families home in the family because Collins would inherit the estate after Elisabeth’s father’s death. Mr. Collins keeps digging himself into more and more trouble, and as he does so, no real emotion or human feeling is expressed.
Although there is no real emotion or feelings in his initial proposal and other arguments, one could also argue that although his intentions and approach seem a little unorthodox or wrong, but considering the time period, Collins does make a good offer in the sense that he would allow her family to still live in their home and not be left with nothing and marrying Collins would be in the best interest for not only Elizabeth, but for her family as well.
Mr. Collins, after enduring one of many waves of rejection simply responds by saying:
“that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favor; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the alter ere long”
Mr. Collins has no emotion and lacks pathos; he is blind to anything that may be seen as not logical. Elizabeth rejects him more than one time and he continues to bring up foolish points about women and her economic standpoint. Throughout the whole proposal it is obvious that his speech is exquisite. However, the means in which he speaks is not. Throughout the proposal Mr. Collins uses his own logic to make things worse by assuming he knows the ways of women’s rejection and does not take Elizabeth seriously. Mr. Collins lacks the only thing that many women would agree completes a proposal, pathos.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Huck Finn Essay
Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
9/16/09
Huck Finn Notes
“Jim was most ruined, for a servant, because he got so stuck up on account of having seen the devil and been rode by witches”(Twain 15)
“He dressed Jim up in King Lear’s outfit-it was a long curtain-calico gown, and a white horse-hair wig and whiskers; and then he took his theatre-paint and painted Jim’s face and hands and ears…Then the duke took and wrote out a sign on a shingle so-‘Sick Arab-but harmless when not out of his head.’”(169)
o Racism is a pressing issue in the novel and is used to bring awareness to the, what we would see as, as corrupt society. Twain uses the character of Jim to specifically let the reader and white people living in this society, that racism was not a good thing or something that should be considered acceptable. All people should be able to do the same things and be able to coexist and have emotions. In Jims case, he basically cant do any of those things, he isn’t allowed to be stuck up, or do whatever he wants.
o Although during that time period, blacks were the main focus of racism, they weren’t the only ones. In order to hide the fact that Jim was black, due to Jim not wanting to “play” the role of a slave any longer, the duke disguised him as a sick Arab. In today’s and in the mind of someone who is sane, that action is considered very disrespectful and offensive to Arabs. This just comes to show that people were racist, not just against blacks, but against other ethnicities. Twains main point here is that racism is a bad thing, and as he uses Hucks emotional and mental evolution throughout his journey to explain, that life without racial conflict can be good, and that home or society, can be a home or society without this conflict and other negative ideals (the raft as home).
“When I got down out of the tree, I crept along down the river bank a piece, and found the two bodies laying in the edge of the water…I cried a little when I was covering up Buck’s face, for he was mighty good to me”(127)
o Twain uses the example of the Gangerfords and Shepardsons to explain that there is a lot more to be changed than racial issues. As important as family is, and proper behavior is to some people in this society (Toms relatives)others seem to let is role off their back. In both the Gangerfords and Shepardsons family human life or death, or even morals seem to be out of the picture. They fight, some people die, and for a cause in which they cant even remember because it has been so long. When the violent fight between families has ended, Huck finds himself crying to the deceased body of a friend whom he had only known for a short while. Sure, Huck got over it, but what Twain is trying to say is that society and its inhabitants should not be so hateful, so corrupt, that they kill for a lost cause, and that Families should be more like the ideal family, happy, loving, caring, and most importantly, protective.
Other points:
Twain critiques society by basically stating that what society has done in the novel is the wrong path to take, and that in order to enjoy life like Huck, we have to let go of all the struggles and criticism, racism, and absurd behavior. He does this through Hucks journey and emotional, and mental transformation.
Society can also be critiqued by the society of the antebellum south. Society back then would critique others who do not believe in their ideals by saying that you should be racist and powerful. And that you should live life according to societies expectations, etc.
Even further, society can be critiqued through Huck. Although very similar to Twains critiquing, Huck critiques society by saying that life without all of the troubles of the one he grew up in and racism, sexism, and all of that good stuff, can be just as good, if not even better that life with all of those negative ideals.
Twain also critiques morals. When the “duke” and “king” make their big con, pretending to be the gentlemen who inherit their families gold, Huck hides the money from the duke and king in so they don’t get it and it is given to its rightful owner/the family of the deceased. In a way Huck is sort of Twain as a character in the novel in the sense he uses Huck, and small instances in the novel, to state what the right thing to do would be.
AP English 11/Mr. George
9/16/09
Huck Finn Notes
“Jim was most ruined, for a servant, because he got so stuck up on account of having seen the devil and been rode by witches”(Twain 15)
“He dressed Jim up in King Lear’s outfit-it was a long curtain-calico gown, and a white horse-hair wig and whiskers; and then he took his theatre-paint and painted Jim’s face and hands and ears…Then the duke took and wrote out a sign on a shingle so-‘Sick Arab-but harmless when not out of his head.’”(169)
o Racism is a pressing issue in the novel and is used to bring awareness to the, what we would see as, as corrupt society. Twain uses the character of Jim to specifically let the reader and white people living in this society, that racism was not a good thing or something that should be considered acceptable. All people should be able to do the same things and be able to coexist and have emotions. In Jims case, he basically cant do any of those things, he isn’t allowed to be stuck up, or do whatever he wants.
o Although during that time period, blacks were the main focus of racism, they weren’t the only ones. In order to hide the fact that Jim was black, due to Jim not wanting to “play” the role of a slave any longer, the duke disguised him as a sick Arab. In today’s and in the mind of someone who is sane, that action is considered very disrespectful and offensive to Arabs. This just comes to show that people were racist, not just against blacks, but against other ethnicities. Twains main point here is that racism is a bad thing, and as he uses Hucks emotional and mental evolution throughout his journey to explain, that life without racial conflict can be good, and that home or society, can be a home or society without this conflict and other negative ideals (the raft as home).
“When I got down out of the tree, I crept along down the river bank a piece, and found the two bodies laying in the edge of the water…I cried a little when I was covering up Buck’s face, for he was mighty good to me”(127)
o Twain uses the example of the Gangerfords and Shepardsons to explain that there is a lot more to be changed than racial issues. As important as family is, and proper behavior is to some people in this society (Toms relatives)others seem to let is role off their back. In both the Gangerfords and Shepardsons family human life or death, or even morals seem to be out of the picture. They fight, some people die, and for a cause in which they cant even remember because it has been so long. When the violent fight between families has ended, Huck finds himself crying to the deceased body of a friend whom he had only known for a short while. Sure, Huck got over it, but what Twain is trying to say is that society and its inhabitants should not be so hateful, so corrupt, that they kill for a lost cause, and that Families should be more like the ideal family, happy, loving, caring, and most importantly, protective.
Other points:
Twain critiques society by basically stating that what society has done in the novel is the wrong path to take, and that in order to enjoy life like Huck, we have to let go of all the struggles and criticism, racism, and absurd behavior. He does this through Hucks journey and emotional, and mental transformation.
Society can also be critiqued by the society of the antebellum south. Society back then would critique others who do not believe in their ideals by saying that you should be racist and powerful. And that you should live life according to societies expectations, etc.
Even further, society can be critiqued through Huck. Although very similar to Twains critiquing, Huck critiques society by saying that life without all of the troubles of the one he grew up in and racism, sexism, and all of that good stuff, can be just as good, if not even better that life with all of those negative ideals.
Twain also critiques morals. When the “duke” and “king” make their big con, pretending to be the gentlemen who inherit their families gold, Huck hides the money from the duke and king in so they don’t get it and it is given to its rightful owner/the family of the deceased. In a way Huck is sort of Twain as a character in the novel in the sense he uses Huck, and small instances in the novel, to state what the right thing to do would be.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
COMC notes-Honor
Stephen Simmons
AP English/Mr. George
9/10/09
COMC notes
“I should be looked upon as a man who has broken his word and failed in his engagements. If I lived you would be ashamed of my name. When I am dead, you will raise your head and say ‘I am the son of him who killed himself because, for the first time in his life, he was unable to keep his word.’ Now…leave me alone and keep your mother away. Once more farewell…”(Dumas 185)
-Honor plays a very significant role in the life of Morrel because it decided his fate. Based on tradition, he felt it necessary to commit suicide because he was unable to honor his promises and word.
-Honor, is simply a concept that was strongly believed in at that particular time during the novel, not life or death!!!
-Morrel was simply following the standards of society and based on his hesitation, had no desire to die anytime soon.
“Then he turned to the clock again; he no longer counted by minutes, but by seconds. Taking the weapon once more, he opened his mouth with his eyes on the clock…a cold perspiration broke out on his forehead and he was seized by a mortal anguish”(185)
-someone who is honorable is respectful and does things in the best interest for others. By Morrel taking his life, the only thing that was truly being solved was that there would be one less mouth to feed. There is no respect in leaving your family with your problems and telling your son to do better.
- the concept of honor and honoring your family is not honorable at all. In Morrel’s case, he would be dishonorable by following tradition and the standards of society and leaving his mess for someone else to clean up.
“He put the pistol to his mouth…Suddenly he heard a cry…It was his daughter’s voice. He turned round and saw Julie. The pistol dropped from his hands.”
“Father! ‘cried the girl out of breath and overcome with joy.’ You are saved! You are saved”
-Honor plays a huge role in Morrels case in term of Karma. Morrel was a good guy. He fought for Dantes’ freedom from prison, promoted Dantes to Captain, etc.
-Because he was so honorable to Dantes, Dantes, was honorable towards him in saving his life and by restoring Morrel emotionally and financially
AP English/Mr. George
9/10/09
COMC notes
“I should be looked upon as a man who has broken his word and failed in his engagements. If I lived you would be ashamed of my name. When I am dead, you will raise your head and say ‘I am the son of him who killed himself because, for the first time in his life, he was unable to keep his word.’ Now…leave me alone and keep your mother away. Once more farewell…”(Dumas 185)
-Honor plays a very significant role in the life of Morrel because it decided his fate. Based on tradition, he felt it necessary to commit suicide because he was unable to honor his promises and word.
-Honor, is simply a concept that was strongly believed in at that particular time during the novel, not life or death!!!
-Morrel was simply following the standards of society and based on his hesitation, had no desire to die anytime soon.
“Then he turned to the clock again; he no longer counted by minutes, but by seconds. Taking the weapon once more, he opened his mouth with his eyes on the clock…a cold perspiration broke out on his forehead and he was seized by a mortal anguish”(185)
-someone who is honorable is respectful and does things in the best interest for others. By Morrel taking his life, the only thing that was truly being solved was that there would be one less mouth to feed. There is no respect in leaving your family with your problems and telling your son to do better.
- the concept of honor and honoring your family is not honorable at all. In Morrel’s case, he would be dishonorable by following tradition and the standards of society and leaving his mess for someone else to clean up.
“He put the pistol to his mouth…Suddenly he heard a cry…It was his daughter’s voice. He turned round and saw Julie. The pistol dropped from his hands.”
“Father! ‘cried the girl out of breath and overcome with joy.’ You are saved! You are saved”
-Honor plays a huge role in Morrels case in term of Karma. Morrel was a good guy. He fought for Dantes’ freedom from prison, promoted Dantes to Captain, etc.
-Because he was so honorable to Dantes, Dantes, was honorable towards him in saving his life and by restoring Morrel emotionally and financially
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Monte Cristo Notes
Stephen Simmons
Mr. George/AP English 11
9/9/09
Notes
Dantes’ Playing God:
• Dantes attempted to carry out divine or heavenly justice where he believed justice was not being done. This was a result of...
o His life being taken away from him. (He had a great life before prison)
o He was betrayed and put in prison under false pretenses
o He was attempting to right a wrong that was done to him
o He felt that society was not punishing those that wronged him
“During these hours of meditation, which had passed like so many seconds, he had formed a terrible resolution and taken a fearful oath.”(Dumas 97).
o He tries to control everything around him and develops an all controlling, un-depictable personality during his return and hunt for vengeance.
• He tried to do things beyond his reach and human capabilities, as he learns later in the novel, his god-like actions weren’t pursued for the best.
o Took other peoples lives into his own hands
o Determined the fate of others
It wasn’t until later, that he realized the ripples of his actions were ripples of sin and regret:
“And as though fearing that the walls of the accursed house would fall and crush him, he rushed into the street, doubting for the first time whether he had the right to do what he had done.” (568 )
(Dantes aspires to be like God, to do things greater than himself).
• Like heaven for God, Dantes also has a heaven like domain, the Isle of Monte Cristo.
Mr. George/AP English 11
9/9/09
Notes
Dantes’ Playing God:
• Dantes attempted to carry out divine or heavenly justice where he believed justice was not being done. This was a result of...
o His life being taken away from him. (He had a great life before prison)
o He was betrayed and put in prison under false pretenses
o He was attempting to right a wrong that was done to him
o He felt that society was not punishing those that wronged him
“During these hours of meditation, which had passed like so many seconds, he had formed a terrible resolution and taken a fearful oath.”(Dumas 97).
o He tries to control everything around him and develops an all controlling, un-depictable personality during his return and hunt for vengeance.
• He tried to do things beyond his reach and human capabilities, as he learns later in the novel, his god-like actions weren’t pursued for the best.
o Took other peoples lives into his own hands
o Determined the fate of others
It wasn’t until later, that he realized the ripples of his actions were ripples of sin and regret:
“And as though fearing that the walls of the accursed house would fall and crush him, he rushed into the street, doubting for the first time whether he had the right to do what he had done.” (568 )
(Dantes aspires to be like God, to do things greater than himself).
• Like heaven for God, Dantes also has a heaven like domain, the Isle of Monte Cristo.
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