Below is a copy of a previous prompt used on the AP exam. In a short paragraph, explain what you would discuss in your essay if you were answering this question.
"Choose a novel or play in which cultural, physical, or geographical surroundings shape psychological or moral traits in a character. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how surroundings affect this character and illuminate the meaning of the work as a whole."**
The prompt then offers numerous examples of novels to choose from. I have a listed a few below that I know you have read.
Great Expectations
Heart of Darkness
A Midsummer Nights Dream
Pride and Prejudice
**collegeboard.com
If I were going to write this essay, I would choose to write it over Pride and Prejudice. I would mostly elaborate on the role culture plays in Pride and Prejudice. The decorum and propriety of the time provides the entire framework for the piece. Judgments on characters roles and morals are based off of social convention. It is also worth noting that the geographical setting of Pride and Prejudice is paramount in the development of the novel. I would use the example of how every goings-on is sensitized by the scarcity of people in the country. In the very opening scene of the novel, the arrival of a single and eligible gentleman is almost enough to send the more foolish of the females into hysterics.
ReplyDeleteYour give excellent arguments for the prompt. Well done!
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ReplyDeleteI would choose the novel "Pride and Prejudice" and talk about how the culture affects the psychological and moral traits of Elizabeth Bennett. I would explain the significance of social decorum at the time and how those in differing social classes did not typically marry or even associate. I would then explain how Elizabeth rebels against this and refuses to treat the upper class any differently. I would give the example of Elizabeth refusing Mr. Darcy's proposal, despite his extreme wealth. I would then move on to talk about the fact that many women at the time had to depend on their husbands to provide for them. Therefore, marrying for stability would be very common. Still referring to Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Darcy's proposal, I would explain that Elizabeth will only marry for love, not convenience. Lastly, I would explain the significance of propriety in the culture. The Bennetts held a very low reputation due to their ridiculous behavior. However, Elizabeth and Jane recognize the behavior of the rest of their family and refuse to lend to their low reputation. Instead, they both choose to hold themselves to a higher standard and abide by the imperative social propriety set at that time.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. You directly and correctly respond to the prompt. Good job!
DeleteIf I were to actually write this essay, I would choose "Heart of Darkness" [even though I strongly dislike it] because the cultural, geographical, and physical elements of the setting play roles in each character's development, especially Marlow as the protagonist. As a story built around Imperialism, "Heart of Darkness" includes characters naturally affected by the thoughts of the time. The African people were meant to be subservient to the ivory-seekers, slavery was an everyday part of their lives, and ivory was to be sought out and acquired using any means necessary. The different geographical settings also impacted the character's behavior. Consistently, the civilized portions of the story, such as the city, inspired individuals to act more civilized themselves. The wild atmosphere of Africa, in contrast, seemed to instill a touch of madness in each person, some more than others. The people who spent the most time there, like Kurtz and his adoring fan, possessed more of the wild madness, but others like Marlow were still affected. Ultimately, these elements help to illustrate the evils of Imperialism and the danger of madness brought on by greed.
ReplyDeleteI like that you choose this novel. It provides a format for you to present arguments that lend themselves to depth and complexity. Well done!
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