Write a paragraph outlining what you would discuss in answering this essay prompt.
"Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent (or a parental figure) and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work."**
Romeo and Juliet
Pride and Prejudice
Hamlet
The Mayor of Casterbridge
I would choose to talk about the conflict between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and Elizabeth and Jane. I would explain that Mrs. Bennett is only concerned with marrying off her daughters to financially stable men, not maintaining a respectable reputation. Mr. Bennett is not an involved parent because he never puts his foot down to how his wife and young girls are acting. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett create a bad reputation for the entire family, although Jane and Elizabeth hold themselves to a higher standard. I would then explain how the meaning of this work is that one's social decorum and reputation does not define who they are. Furthermore, Jane and Elizabeth defy the perceptions of those in an embarrassing middle class family.
ReplyDeleteIn "Romeo and Juliet," both of the main characters defy their respective parents to be with their "true love," but both parties are actually at fault in this story. Romeo and Juliet rebel against their parents' advice and wishes with overwhelming teenage angst and stubbornness. Immaturely, they believe they know what is best, and they stoutly ignore the council provided by trustworthy, experienced adults. Romeo and Juliet's parents, in contrast, advise against the match in part because they wish to protect their child from a seemingly bad influence but mostly because they stubbornly refuse to relinquish the ongoing feud between the Capulet's and the Montague's. The parents, like their children, believe they know what is best in every situation. While Juliet and Romeo should have respected their parents enough to listen to their commands, the adults should have also done their part by giving the potential couple a fair chance. Shakespeare's most famous story of star-crossed lovers exemplifies the consequences of unchecked stubbornness and pride. The tragic end could have been prevented had the characters let go of their arrogance and listened to their respective family member's requests.
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