Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?
Sir Gawain may be one of the most courageous, noble, and audacious knights in the kingdom, however, since he is only human, he is going to give into temptation and make mistakes. The Green Knight enters Camelot abruptly, and immediately challenges the knights to a game. The game is simple: someone strikes him with the ax, and then in a year and a day, he can return the strike. Sir Gawain is enticed and the first to agree to the challenge. As he took the heavy ax to the green knight’s neck, Sir Gawain did not get the result he wanted. The Green Knight was still alive; he picked up his head and was off. While on his journey to meet the Green Knight, Gawain comes across a castle. The host was welcoming, but he also challenges Sir Gawain to a game. The host requests that as he goes off hunting with his men, Sir Gawain stays in bed and around the castle. He also requests that he spends time with the ladies. In the end, whatever the host wins in the woods he will give to Gawain, and whatever Gawain earns, he must offer to the host. Similar to the Green Knight’s challenge, this game is not as innocent and as easy as it seems. By staying at home, Gawain is expected to be seduced by the ladies. The five knightly virtues are friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. Sir Gawain is required to uphold these virtues at all times; however, by having an affair with the host’s wife, Gawain has already disobeyed them. The code of chivalry which has formed Sir Gawain’s moral policy has been totally shattered. If lust overcomes Gawain again, he will run into more trouble, for he cannot give back what he has given to the ladies. The author is trying to tell us that if we do not uphold our values at all times we will face negative consequences.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Top Ten Rules for Dating
1.) Always try to look your best. Dress to impress and remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you look sloppy, you are sending the message that you don’t care and this date is a waste of your time.
2.) Have a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face. No one wants to be around a pessimist. Don’t forget that when you smile, you immediately look more attractive and friendly. A warm smile is welcoming and the perfect way to put your date at ease.
3.) Be respectful and polite. This includes showing up on time and whatever you do, do not pull out your cell phone! Try to ask questions, remain interested, and pay attention to what your date has to say. Make eye contact, but do your best not to stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable.
4.) Relax! Even if you are nervous at first, dating is supposed to be fun. Confidence is key in any new situation, dating is no different. Remember that this person would never have asked you out or agreed to go on a date, if they did not want to be with you.
5.) Be honest. It may seem easier said than done, but a relationship is guaranteed to fail if it is based on lies. Even if you are afraid your date won’t like the truth or the truth is not as exciting as you want it to be, keep in mind that if they do not like you for who you are, they are not worth it. For example, do not say you absolutely love hockey to impress them if you hate it. You will save yourself from the agony next week when he surprises you with Bruins season tickets.
6.) Be generous with compliments, when they are true. Everyone loves to be told how wonderful they are. Whether you tell them they look like a super model, or simply laugh at their jokes, you are making your date feel comfortable and giving them a sense of approval and reassurance.
7.) Do your research. Some people may think it is creepy, but it is actually very thoughtful and helpful. If you find out your date is a vegetarian, don’t take her to a steakhouse. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for the gentlemen, is all girls love gifts, you simply cannot go wrong with a box of chocolates or flowers.
8.) Don’t “forget” your wallet. Ladies, don’t assume your date will pay for you. Kindly offer to pay, however, the gentlemen should be more than willing to pay for you. When he does pay, keep in mind that he did not have to and this was very thoughtful of him. After the night, make sure to thank him.
9.) Keep the conversation light, laidback, and fun. Try to make each other laugh, but don’t try too hard, because then you’ll just look silly. Avoid talking about any controversial or heavy subjects. Be careful what you say. For example, do not go on and on about how much you hate people from New York, because you may later find out that he is from New York.
10.) If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times. Do not settle for anything less than the best. If your date does not make you happy or bring the best out in you, they are a waste of your time. You have heard it said many times before, but it is true, there are plenty of fish in the sea. If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.
2.) Have a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face. No one wants to be around a pessimist. Don’t forget that when you smile, you immediately look more attractive and friendly. A warm smile is welcoming and the perfect way to put your date at ease.
3.) Be respectful and polite. This includes showing up on time and whatever you do, do not pull out your cell phone! Try to ask questions, remain interested, and pay attention to what your date has to say. Make eye contact, but do your best not to stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable.
4.) Relax! Even if you are nervous at first, dating is supposed to be fun. Confidence is key in any new situation, dating is no different. Remember that this person would never have asked you out or agreed to go on a date, if they did not want to be with you.
5.) Be honest. It may seem easier said than done, but a relationship is guaranteed to fail if it is based on lies. Even if you are afraid your date won’t like the truth or the truth is not as exciting as you want it to be, keep in mind that if they do not like you for who you are, they are not worth it. For example, do not say you absolutely love hockey to impress them if you hate it. You will save yourself from the agony next week when he surprises you with Bruins season tickets.
6.) Be generous with compliments, when they are true. Everyone loves to be told how wonderful they are. Whether you tell them they look like a super model, or simply laugh at their jokes, you are making your date feel comfortable and giving them a sense of approval and reassurance.
7.) Do your research. Some people may think it is creepy, but it is actually very thoughtful and helpful. If you find out your date is a vegetarian, don’t take her to a steakhouse. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for the gentlemen, is all girls love gifts, you simply cannot go wrong with a box of chocolates or flowers.
8.) Don’t “forget” your wallet. Ladies, don’t assume your date will pay for you. Kindly offer to pay, however, the gentlemen should be more than willing to pay for you. When he does pay, keep in mind that he did not have to and this was very thoughtful of him. After the night, make sure to thank him.
9.) Keep the conversation light, laidback, and fun. Try to make each other laugh, but don’t try too hard, because then you’ll just look silly. Avoid talking about any controversial or heavy subjects. Be careful what you say. For example, do not go on and on about how much you hate people from New York, because you may later find out that he is from New York.
10.) If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times. Do not settle for anything less than the best. If your date does not make you happy or bring the best out in you, they are a waste of your time. You have heard it said many times before, but it is true, there are plenty of fish in the sea. If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Essential #2
Discuss Biblical allusions and religious symbolism in Beowulf.
Throughout the poem Beowulf, the characters recognize God as their ultimate protector, guardian, and savior. They attribute all their success to God and believe he decides our destiny. The Bible provides us with countless examples of miracles that occur because followers had faith. Since, Beowulf put his trust in God, he was able to overcome Grendel. In addition, he took the time to thank God after he defeated Grendel: “Let us give thanks at once to God Almighty for this sight. I have undergone many afflictions…but God, Guardian of heaven, can work wonder upon wonder.” (915-918). After Beowulf defeated Grendel’s mother, he stated that “our encounter would have ended at once if God had not guarded me” (1640-1641). Religion is of the utmost importance to these people and with their sense of devotion they are able to triumph in times of distress. Grendel is the son of Cain, Abel’s murderer. He, therefore, represents the devil. Beowulf represents Jesus, in that both came to save the people from sin and evil. In the end, Jesus risked his life to save us. Similarly, Beowulf was always willing to risk his life to save the people. Beowulf and Jesus both show that honesty, courage, hope, and humility are required in order to live a faithful life. Beowulf demonstrates that if you follow the Commandments and the Beatitudes, you will be rewarded in the end.
Throughout the poem Beowulf, the characters recognize God as their ultimate protector, guardian, and savior. They attribute all their success to God and believe he decides our destiny. The Bible provides us with countless examples of miracles that occur because followers had faith. Since, Beowulf put his trust in God, he was able to overcome Grendel. In addition, he took the time to thank God after he defeated Grendel: “Let us give thanks at once to God Almighty for this sight. I have undergone many afflictions…but God, Guardian of heaven, can work wonder upon wonder.” (915-918). After Beowulf defeated Grendel’s mother, he stated that “our encounter would have ended at once if God had not guarded me” (1640-1641). Religion is of the utmost importance to these people and with their sense of devotion they are able to triumph in times of distress. Grendel is the son of Cain, Abel’s murderer. He, therefore, represents the devil. Beowulf represents Jesus, in that both came to save the people from sin and evil. In the end, Jesus risked his life to save us. Similarly, Beowulf was always willing to risk his life to save the people. Beowulf and Jesus both show that honesty, courage, hope, and humility are required in order to live a faithful life. Beowulf demonstrates that if you follow the Commandments and the Beatitudes, you will be rewarded in the end.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Essential #1
What are the social obligations of a hero?
A hero is a leader distinguished by courage, talent, and a commitment to the advancement of society. A hero will thrive at any challenging mission. In the beginning of the poem Beowulf, Scefing “prospered under heaven, won praise and honor” (8). He was considered a hero, by terrifying his enemies and conquering other clans. Therefore, a hero must have strength and power in order to protect his kingdom. They must be selfless and willing to risk their lives in order to save the community. Hrothgar, another hero, also “won his honor in war, glory in battle” (64-65). A hero must show he is worthy of respect and admiration by fighting. While a hero has the responsibility to guard his community, he also must share the rewards with his men. It is important for him to remain humble, even after he succeeds. In addition, not only must a hero have a strong physical appearance, but he also must have powerful speech. They must give orders, have a plan, and be able to answer anyone who questions them with confidence.
Is Beowulf aware of his deification process?
It is clear to the other members of society, Beowulf is a hero: “Beowulf by name, renowned among the Geats for his great bravery” (194-195). Everyone admires and respects him. If Beowulf was unaware of his great strength and vitality, he certainly would never be undertaking such a challenging mission or ask the bravest of the Geats to assist him: “Beowulf searched out the bravest of the Geats, asked them to go with him” (205-206). Once on his mission, Beowulf shows his confidence by not hesitating to answer the watch guard’s question. As the guard asks why he is here, Beowulf quickly responds with an answer: “I can counsel Hrothgar, that wise, and good man, how he shall overcome the fiend” (274-275). Beowulf would not appear as daring and courageous if he thought he had the potential to fail. As the watch guard pointed out it is one thing to say something, but another thing to do something: “The discriminating warrior-one whose mind is keen- must perceive the difference between words and deeds” (284-285). Beowulf would not have committed himself to helping Hrothgar if he did not know he could. Beowulf’s no fear attitude demonstrates that he is aware of his abilities and believes that no one has the potential to defeat him.
A hero is a leader distinguished by courage, talent, and a commitment to the advancement of society. A hero will thrive at any challenging mission. In the beginning of the poem Beowulf, Scefing “prospered under heaven, won praise and honor” (8). He was considered a hero, by terrifying his enemies and conquering other clans. Therefore, a hero must have strength and power in order to protect his kingdom. They must be selfless and willing to risk their lives in order to save the community. Hrothgar, another hero, also “won his honor in war, glory in battle” (64-65). A hero must show he is worthy of respect and admiration by fighting. While a hero has the responsibility to guard his community, he also must share the rewards with his men. It is important for him to remain humble, even after he succeeds. In addition, not only must a hero have a strong physical appearance, but he also must have powerful speech. They must give orders, have a plan, and be able to answer anyone who questions them with confidence.
Is Beowulf aware of his deification process?
It is clear to the other members of society, Beowulf is a hero: “Beowulf by name, renowned among the Geats for his great bravery” (194-195). Everyone admires and respects him. If Beowulf was unaware of his great strength and vitality, he certainly would never be undertaking such a challenging mission or ask the bravest of the Geats to assist him: “Beowulf searched out the bravest of the Geats, asked them to go with him” (205-206). Once on his mission, Beowulf shows his confidence by not hesitating to answer the watch guard’s question. As the guard asks why he is here, Beowulf quickly responds with an answer: “I can counsel Hrothgar, that wise, and good man, how he shall overcome the fiend” (274-275). Beowulf would not appear as daring and courageous if he thought he had the potential to fail. As the watch guard pointed out it is one thing to say something, but another thing to do something: “The discriminating warrior-one whose mind is keen- must perceive the difference between words and deeds” (284-285). Beowulf would not have committed himself to helping Hrothgar if he did not know he could. Beowulf’s no fear attitude demonstrates that he is aware of his abilities and believes that no one has the potential to defeat him.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pride and Prejudice Essay
“There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved” (Sand). For thousands of years people have gotten married for different reasons. Someone with a prudent motive for marriage is looking for stability and help. Another person might be searching for money or other rewards, in which their marriage would be based on mercenary motives. Today, almost half of all marriages fail because they lack one thing: love. Love is an essential part of marriage, and without it, a marriage is destined to fail. Without love a marriage would be dark, dull, and tedious. Love is universal and fills our hearts with joy. In Pride and Prejudice the motives for marriage vary, but one thing is always certain: a marriage filled with love is a marriage filled with happiness and everything you need.
Marriage is a lifelong commitment; lifelong commitments should never be rushed. In Lydia Bennet’s mind, marriage was a competition. If marriage was a race, even though Lydia was married first, she would have lost. Lydia should have used the lesson slow and steady wins the race. In the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, an overconfident rabbit challenges a tortoise to a race. The hare enters the race, thinking he’s already won. Similarly, Lydia, pompous and conceited, believed she had the most successful marriage. Lydia thought her sisters had no chance of finding a happy marriage: “I only hope they may have half my good luck” (Austen 307). The hare thought he was so far ahead, he took a break. Elizabeth, similar to the tortoise, took her time in marriage. She was cautious and waited for the one she loved. While Lydia was busy applauding herself, she failed to realize Elizabeth had far surpassed her. It was too late for Lydia to get back in the race, she already lost. Lizzy made sure her love was real and although waiting for love may take a long time, it is worth it in the end.
If you marry someone for the wrong reasons, your marriage is destined to fail. The main motive behind Lydia and Wickham’s marriage was mercenary. Without money, Wickham would have no reason to stay and support Lydia. Wickham proved that he only wanted money after he shifted his love from Lizzy to Miss King: “he paid her not the smallest attention till her grandfather’s death made her mistress of this fortune” (153). Wickham agreed to marry Lydia after Darcy promised him a small fortune and a job. Money can buy a lot of things, but it cannot buy love or happiness. Without happiness and stability, how can a marriage last?
Lydia believed she was in love, but she was clearly wrong. She was not looking to marry someone for love; she was looking for other rewards. She mistook her love for infatuation because “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude” (I Corinthians 13:4-5). Lydia did not allow enough time for her emotions for Wickham to develop. She rushed her marriage, convinced that everything would be perfect. If she allowed herself more time, she would have learned Wickham’s true nature and found a better match. Lydia had a desire to get married before her sisters because she was envious of them: “Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman” (Austen 307). Lydia could not have been in love because if she was, she would not need to brag about it, “I am sure my sisters must all envy me” (307). While Lydia was pleased with herself, Elizabeth expressed her disdain, “I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands” (307). Elizabeth knew the only way to a happy marriage is to marry for true love.
Things may have been alright for Lydia and Wickham in the beginning, but their marriage would not last long. Lydia married based on infatuation, and since infatuation is a feeling it cannot last forever: “his affection for her soon sunk into indifference: hers lasted a little longer” (374). Lydia was impulsive, arrogant, and oblivious. Wickham was selfish, deceiving, and unreliable. Consequently, the marriage was dying before it even started. Lydia constantly visited her sisters, and Wickham frequently enjoyed himself in London or Bath. This indicates that they were both unsatisfied and looked for an escape to their marriage. Their main motive for marriage was based on vanity and money; as a result, Lydia and Wickham were miserable and did not get the happy, successful, prosperous marriage she was hoping for.
Finding that one special person that loves you and you love back is not always easy. In Charlotte’s case she did not have the time or the patience to wait for someone. Her choices were limited because she was not beautiful and she was getting older. It was best for her to marry the first person who proposed and could provide for her. Charlotte was satisfied because in her opinion, “happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” (24). Charlotte was wrong though because happiness in marriage is not a matter of chance, it is entirely predictable. If there is love, there will be happiness.
Mr. Collins could not have felt any kind of love for Charlotte because moments earlier he proposed to Elizabeth. Their marriage could be described as a prudent marriage for it makes sense, but lacks emotion. Charlotte just wanted a comfortable home, financial, and social security. She did not care much for her happiness; she made it clear when she claimed, “considering Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.” (125). Though the marriage is convenient, and Mr. Collins’s will provide some things for her, he can never provide her with happiness.
Is sacrificing your happiness for stability in a marriage worth it? To Elizabeth mercenary and prudent motives are the same: “What is the difference in matrimonial affairs, between the mercenary and the prudent motive?” (153). They are different in many ways; however, they are the same in the fact that neither one will bring pleasure. Turning down two marriage proposals, Lizzy is not willing to marry for any reason other than love.
A marriage without love is like a day without sunshine. Just as we need sunshine to survive, we need love. Sunshine brightens everything up, makes us feel warm, and most importantly brings us happiness. Elizabeth and Darcy married for love, “I do, I do like him, I love him” (364). As a result, Elizabeth is “the happiest creature in the world” (369). On day’s the sun is not shining everything is dark, depressing, and boring. A marriage that lacks affection is like a cloudy day. If you have never seen the sun, you do not know what you are missing. Charlotte married for prudential motives, hoping she would receive the most happiness: “I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state” (125). She might be content, but she will never beam with joy. Cloudy days do not prevent us from doing anything, and Charlotte’s marriage provided her with what she needed. Unfortunately, cloudy days are boring and depressing, just like Charlotte’s marriage. Once you experience the warmth of the sun, you never want it to go away. If Lizzy’s marriage is like a beautiful day, Lydia’s marriage is like a hurricane. Just as a hurricane destroys everything, Lydia’s marriage destroyed everything. Once a hurricane hits, it takes years to recover. Mercenary motives will get you nowhere; they can only hold you back.
The mercenary motive behind Mr. and Mrs. Bennett’s marriage proved to be unsuccessful. The only joy Mr. Bennett got out of their marriage was making fun of his wife. He married Mrs. Bennett for her youth and beauty. Unlike love, youth and beauty do not last forever. Once it’s gone, what are you left with? Mr. Bennett was left with nothing: “respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished forever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown” (231). Life is too short not to be happy; therefore, marry someone you love and there is nothing to fear. Elizabeth was blind to her parents sorrow, but Lydia noticed it. Since, Mrs. Bennett’s only goal in life was to get her daughters married, Lydia was in a rush to do so. The Bennett’s provided a poor example of married life. Consequently, Lydia did not know what to expect, would blindly enter a marriage, and would make the same mistake as her parents.
“What counts in making a happy relationship is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility” (Goleman). If a married couple responds to their incompatibility with love, they will be successful. In Charlotte’s eyes, “it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.” Instead, you should learn to love and embrace their faults. Darcy’s ability to overcome the fact that Elizabeth comes from a poor, obnoxious, disgraceful family shows he truly loves her and will never leave her. To marry for love meant Darcy would have to suffer the most. He angered his aunt, he lowered his social status, and he became brothers with the man he most despised, all out of love. He sacrificed so much for her, but it did not affect his optimism. Likewise, Bingley sacrificed his social status and disappointed his sister to marry Jane. You would expect people dealing with these challenges to be disappointed, ashamed, and frustrated. This is not the case though; Bingley and Darcy are the happiest of all. Even if you lose everything, all you need is love to be happy.
Since marriage is a lifelong commitment, it is beneficial to base a marriage on something that lasts forever. Unlike money, stability, or infatuation, unconditional love is everlasting: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8). Love never fails; therefore, if you have love in your marriage, your marriage can never fail. If you have love, what else do you need? Love brings trust, happiness, loyalty, and respect. The best part about love is that it brings all these things and no one can take them away from you. Money or stability will not make your problems go away. Love will always help you get through them.
"To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." (www.bible.org) As soon as you say these words, you are committed to your husband or wife for the rest of your life. Love in a marriage will make the difference between a life of success and a life of misery. Lydia and Wickham married out of mercenary, and for that they do not have the happy ending they each wanted. Mr. and Mrs. Collins might be content, but they will never know what true happiness is. Lizzy and Darcy, and Bingley and Jane, married for love; therefore, they will be most rewarded. No marriage is flawless, but a marriage with love is very close.
Marriage is a lifelong commitment; lifelong commitments should never be rushed. In Lydia Bennet’s mind, marriage was a competition. If marriage was a race, even though Lydia was married first, she would have lost. Lydia should have used the lesson slow and steady wins the race. In the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, an overconfident rabbit challenges a tortoise to a race. The hare enters the race, thinking he’s already won. Similarly, Lydia, pompous and conceited, believed she had the most successful marriage. Lydia thought her sisters had no chance of finding a happy marriage: “I only hope they may have half my good luck” (Austen 307). The hare thought he was so far ahead, he took a break. Elizabeth, similar to the tortoise, took her time in marriage. She was cautious and waited for the one she loved. While Lydia was busy applauding herself, she failed to realize Elizabeth had far surpassed her. It was too late for Lydia to get back in the race, she already lost. Lizzy made sure her love was real and although waiting for love may take a long time, it is worth it in the end.
If you marry someone for the wrong reasons, your marriage is destined to fail. The main motive behind Lydia and Wickham’s marriage was mercenary. Without money, Wickham would have no reason to stay and support Lydia. Wickham proved that he only wanted money after he shifted his love from Lizzy to Miss King: “he paid her not the smallest attention till her grandfather’s death made her mistress of this fortune” (153). Wickham agreed to marry Lydia after Darcy promised him a small fortune and a job. Money can buy a lot of things, but it cannot buy love or happiness. Without happiness and stability, how can a marriage last?
Lydia believed she was in love, but she was clearly wrong. She was not looking to marry someone for love; she was looking for other rewards. She mistook her love for infatuation because “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude” (I Corinthians 13:4-5). Lydia did not allow enough time for her emotions for Wickham to develop. She rushed her marriage, convinced that everything would be perfect. If she allowed herself more time, she would have learned Wickham’s true nature and found a better match. Lydia had a desire to get married before her sisters because she was envious of them: “Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman” (Austen 307). Lydia could not have been in love because if she was, she would not need to brag about it, “I am sure my sisters must all envy me” (307). While Lydia was pleased with herself, Elizabeth expressed her disdain, “I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands” (307). Elizabeth knew the only way to a happy marriage is to marry for true love.
Things may have been alright for Lydia and Wickham in the beginning, but their marriage would not last long. Lydia married based on infatuation, and since infatuation is a feeling it cannot last forever: “his affection for her soon sunk into indifference: hers lasted a little longer” (374). Lydia was impulsive, arrogant, and oblivious. Wickham was selfish, deceiving, and unreliable. Consequently, the marriage was dying before it even started. Lydia constantly visited her sisters, and Wickham frequently enjoyed himself in London or Bath. This indicates that they were both unsatisfied and looked for an escape to their marriage. Their main motive for marriage was based on vanity and money; as a result, Lydia and Wickham were miserable and did not get the happy, successful, prosperous marriage she was hoping for.
Finding that one special person that loves you and you love back is not always easy. In Charlotte’s case she did not have the time or the patience to wait for someone. Her choices were limited because she was not beautiful and she was getting older. It was best for her to marry the first person who proposed and could provide for her. Charlotte was satisfied because in her opinion, “happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” (24). Charlotte was wrong though because happiness in marriage is not a matter of chance, it is entirely predictable. If there is love, there will be happiness.
Mr. Collins could not have felt any kind of love for Charlotte because moments earlier he proposed to Elizabeth. Their marriage could be described as a prudent marriage for it makes sense, but lacks emotion. Charlotte just wanted a comfortable home, financial, and social security. She did not care much for her happiness; she made it clear when she claimed, “considering Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.” (125). Though the marriage is convenient, and Mr. Collins’s will provide some things for her, he can never provide her with happiness.
Is sacrificing your happiness for stability in a marriage worth it? To Elizabeth mercenary and prudent motives are the same: “What is the difference in matrimonial affairs, between the mercenary and the prudent motive?” (153). They are different in many ways; however, they are the same in the fact that neither one will bring pleasure. Turning down two marriage proposals, Lizzy is not willing to marry for any reason other than love.
A marriage without love is like a day without sunshine. Just as we need sunshine to survive, we need love. Sunshine brightens everything up, makes us feel warm, and most importantly brings us happiness. Elizabeth and Darcy married for love, “I do, I do like him, I love him” (364). As a result, Elizabeth is “the happiest creature in the world” (369). On day’s the sun is not shining everything is dark, depressing, and boring. A marriage that lacks affection is like a cloudy day. If you have never seen the sun, you do not know what you are missing. Charlotte married for prudential motives, hoping she would receive the most happiness: “I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state” (125). She might be content, but she will never beam with joy. Cloudy days do not prevent us from doing anything, and Charlotte’s marriage provided her with what she needed. Unfortunately, cloudy days are boring and depressing, just like Charlotte’s marriage. Once you experience the warmth of the sun, you never want it to go away. If Lizzy’s marriage is like a beautiful day, Lydia’s marriage is like a hurricane. Just as a hurricane destroys everything, Lydia’s marriage destroyed everything. Once a hurricane hits, it takes years to recover. Mercenary motives will get you nowhere; they can only hold you back.
The mercenary motive behind Mr. and Mrs. Bennett’s marriage proved to be unsuccessful. The only joy Mr. Bennett got out of their marriage was making fun of his wife. He married Mrs. Bennett for her youth and beauty. Unlike love, youth and beauty do not last forever. Once it’s gone, what are you left with? Mr. Bennett was left with nothing: “respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished forever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown” (231). Life is too short not to be happy; therefore, marry someone you love and there is nothing to fear. Elizabeth was blind to her parents sorrow, but Lydia noticed it. Since, Mrs. Bennett’s only goal in life was to get her daughters married, Lydia was in a rush to do so. The Bennett’s provided a poor example of married life. Consequently, Lydia did not know what to expect, would blindly enter a marriage, and would make the same mistake as her parents.
“What counts in making a happy relationship is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility” (Goleman). If a married couple responds to their incompatibility with love, they will be successful. In Charlotte’s eyes, “it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.” Instead, you should learn to love and embrace their faults. Darcy’s ability to overcome the fact that Elizabeth comes from a poor, obnoxious, disgraceful family shows he truly loves her and will never leave her. To marry for love meant Darcy would have to suffer the most. He angered his aunt, he lowered his social status, and he became brothers with the man he most despised, all out of love. He sacrificed so much for her, but it did not affect his optimism. Likewise, Bingley sacrificed his social status and disappointed his sister to marry Jane. You would expect people dealing with these challenges to be disappointed, ashamed, and frustrated. This is not the case though; Bingley and Darcy are the happiest of all. Even if you lose everything, all you need is love to be happy.
Since marriage is a lifelong commitment, it is beneficial to base a marriage on something that lasts forever. Unlike money, stability, or infatuation, unconditional love is everlasting: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8). Love never fails; therefore, if you have love in your marriage, your marriage can never fail. If you have love, what else do you need? Love brings trust, happiness, loyalty, and respect. The best part about love is that it brings all these things and no one can take them away from you. Money or stability will not make your problems go away. Love will always help you get through them.
"To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." (www.bible.org) As soon as you say these words, you are committed to your husband or wife for the rest of your life. Love in a marriage will make the difference between a life of success and a life of misery. Lydia and Wickham married out of mercenary, and for that they do not have the happy ending they each wanted. Mr. and Mrs. Collins might be content, but they will never know what true happiness is. Lizzy and Darcy, and Bingley and Jane, married for love; therefore, they will be most rewarded. No marriage is flawless, but a marriage with love is very close.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Character Description: Mr. Darcy
Mr. Darcy may be everything a woman wants, until he reveals himself as proud; however, those who took the time to get to know him learned that he is not proud, but compassionate, charming, and intelligent.
Darcy is the extremely wealthy owner of the Pemberley Estate in Derbyshire. He is attractive, but he often makes a bad first impression on strangers. His silence makes him come off as conceited and egotistical. In reality, Darcy is just uncomfortable around new people. Overtime, Darcy becomes comfortable with others and reveals his true nature. He is caring, supportive, and thoughtful. Darcy paid Wickham three times the amount he deserved and put him through school. Although Darcy’s high position in society allows him to marry someone of an equal status, he puts everything aside for Elizabeth. He loves her for who she is and not what she has or where she comes from. All out of love, Darcy saved Elizabeth and her family from being disgraced. Darcy’s actions saved the Bennett’s of “a world of trouble and economy” (365). Marrying someone despite the fact that they have an obnoxious family and little money is the most humble thing a man can do.
Darcy is like a rainbow after a storm. In order to have a rainbow, there needs to be rain first. In the beginning, Darcy is like a storm, he is haughty, critical, and vain. Just as rain cannot last forever, Darcy does not stay like this forever. A rainbow slowly emerges from the clouds. After Elizabeth’s accusations and rejection, Darcy unveils his true personality. Darcy slowly emerges as a kind, compassionate gentleman. Darcy and rainbows have the ability to brighten everything up. The people who do not wait out the storm will never see the rainbow. Likewise, the people who are too quick to judge Darcy will never see the true him: “Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable” (364). They say at the end of a rainbow there is a pot of gold. Rainbows and people like Darcy are hard to find. Elizabeth was lucky to meet Darcy; in falling in love with him, she has found a pot of gold.
Darcy is like Johnny Depp because they are wealthy, talented, handsome, and quiet. They are perfect, but because of Darcy’s silence and Depp’s anti-conformity within Hollywood, they are accused of being proud. In reality, both men are genuine and compassionate who do not care much about societal standards; all they want is a normal life filled with happiness.
Darcy is the extremely wealthy owner of the Pemberley Estate in Derbyshire. He is attractive, but he often makes a bad first impression on strangers. His silence makes him come off as conceited and egotistical. In reality, Darcy is just uncomfortable around new people. Overtime, Darcy becomes comfortable with others and reveals his true nature. He is caring, supportive, and thoughtful. Darcy paid Wickham three times the amount he deserved and put him through school. Although Darcy’s high position in society allows him to marry someone of an equal status, he puts everything aside for Elizabeth. He loves her for who she is and not what she has or where she comes from. All out of love, Darcy saved Elizabeth and her family from being disgraced. Darcy’s actions saved the Bennett’s of “a world of trouble and economy” (365). Marrying someone despite the fact that they have an obnoxious family and little money is the most humble thing a man can do.
Darcy is like a rainbow after a storm. In order to have a rainbow, there needs to be rain first. In the beginning, Darcy is like a storm, he is haughty, critical, and vain. Just as rain cannot last forever, Darcy does not stay like this forever. A rainbow slowly emerges from the clouds. After Elizabeth’s accusations and rejection, Darcy unveils his true personality. Darcy slowly emerges as a kind, compassionate gentleman. Darcy and rainbows have the ability to brighten everything up. The people who do not wait out the storm will never see the rainbow. Likewise, the people who are too quick to judge Darcy will never see the true him: “Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable” (364). They say at the end of a rainbow there is a pot of gold. Rainbows and people like Darcy are hard to find. Elizabeth was lucky to meet Darcy; in falling in love with him, she has found a pot of gold.
Darcy is like Johnny Depp because they are wealthy, talented, handsome, and quiet. They are perfect, but because of Darcy’s silence and Depp’s anti-conformity within Hollywood, they are accused of being proud. In reality, both men are genuine and compassionate who do not care much about societal standards; all they want is a normal life filled with happiness.
Character Description: Lydia Bennett
Impulsive, arrogant, and thoughtless, Lydia Bennett rushes into everything unaware of the pain she is causing others.
Lydia is the youngest Bennett sister and completely oblivious to the fact that her actions have the potential to ruin her families and her own reputation. Her main objective in life is socializing and marriage. For almost a year, Lydia “has been given up to nothing but amusement and vanity” (Austen 274). Engaging in every pleasure, she and her sister Kitty enjoy flirting with the officers stationed at Meryton. Eventually, Lydia is seduced by Wickham and runs away with him. Her reckless behavior has a negative effect on her family and how others view her family. She takes everything away from her sisters, but yet she still expects to be applauded.
Lydia is like an unknowing boat about to go down a waterfall. Everything may be fine now, but in a short while, it will come crashing down. Currently, everything is smooth sailing for Lydia. She has gotten married; therefore, she is pleased with herself and expects everyone else to feel the same. Unfortunately, Lydia does not realize what is ahead of her. Her personality is the same as a waterfall: “untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless” (305). Her relationship will not last, and she will not be happy for long. Things are about to take a turn for the worst. Everyone can see the waterfall, but Lydia.
Lydia resembles Lindsay Lohan because they both have made huge mistakes, feel no remorse for their actions, do not realize what they are doing effects more people than themselves, and believe they deserve respect because of their position. In order to receive admiration, they need to get their act together and start taking responsibility for their actions before something much worse happens.
Lydia is the youngest Bennett sister and completely oblivious to the fact that her actions have the potential to ruin her families and her own reputation. Her main objective in life is socializing and marriage. For almost a year, Lydia “has been given up to nothing but amusement and vanity” (Austen 274). Engaging in every pleasure, she and her sister Kitty enjoy flirting with the officers stationed at Meryton. Eventually, Lydia is seduced by Wickham and runs away with him. Her reckless behavior has a negative effect on her family and how others view her family. She takes everything away from her sisters, but yet she still expects to be applauded.
Lydia is like an unknowing boat about to go down a waterfall. Everything may be fine now, but in a short while, it will come crashing down. Currently, everything is smooth sailing for Lydia. She has gotten married; therefore, she is pleased with herself and expects everyone else to feel the same. Unfortunately, Lydia does not realize what is ahead of her. Her personality is the same as a waterfall: “untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless” (305). Her relationship will not last, and she will not be happy for long. Things are about to take a turn for the worst. Everyone can see the waterfall, but Lydia.
Lydia resembles Lindsay Lohan because they both have made huge mistakes, feel no remorse for their actions, do not realize what they are doing effects more people than themselves, and believe they deserve respect because of their position. In order to receive admiration, they need to get their act together and start taking responsibility for their actions before something much worse happens.
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