Literature and Social Change

publications and Social ChangeLiterature written during the period between 1650 and the mid 1800s encourages us to think for ourselves rather than blindly accept the placement quo. Tolstoy, in The Death of Ivan Ilyich reminds us to be mindful of the folly of keeping up with the Jones. Molieres Tartuffe warns against the unquestioning borrowing of religious authority. Swift and Douglass condemn the unthinkable acceptance of human degradation. Whether describing the indiscriminate acceptance of authority or social norms these stories inspire us to use critical thinking as a means of restoring deterrent example principles.Tolstoys depiction of the struggle between the physical and spiritual world reminds us that a life of fairness is a life of meaningful choices. Choices that require careful consideration al closely what is truly important in life, namely the good deal in our lives. Ivan Ilyichs acceptance of the challenge to keep up with the status quo led him to a place of pain ful isolation. Each thoughtless choice cost him personal integrity until he is compelled by impending death to take a judicious look at his life.A Modest Proposal. diachronic and cultural biases and stereotypes prevent both oppressors and oppressed from seeing not only the need but the big businessman to change. Acceptance of poverty as a regrettable condition or an acceptable lifestyle for those slew without questioning the validity of such ideas degrades all humanity. Swifts work provoked critical thinking and discussion among the people changing expectations, reforming abuses and reaffirming the value of humanity.Douglass work asserts the worth of all mankind. The practice of enslaving human beings chained not only the slave but the owner as well. Each choice to ignore was a choice to suffer thralldom as a reasonable practice. Only when reason was applied, prejudices examined and stereotypes dismantled did ideas about slavery sustain to change. The abolition of slavery req uired rethinking the value of human freedom by slave holders and slaves alike as well as society as a whole. What began as individual revelation grew into a conversion renewing integrity of individuals and a landed estate.Each story draws the reader into an abusive world created and affirmed by ignorance then offers the means for change, independent thinking. Unquestioned our biases and assumptions unjustifiably impact our thought processes. Restoration of integrity comes about when we are mindful of circumstance and apply critical thinking skills to our situation. As each author illustrates, our strength to reason is a powerful tool for change.Question 3 RelevanceStill Searching for conditional relationThe stories we read from 1650 through the mid 1800s all address issues that are relevant today. Religious hypocrisy, poverty and slavery still exist with long lasting and detrimental effects. I believe Leo Tolstoys Death of Ivan Ilyich holds the virtually relevance for todays aud ience because it speaks to what we have the most control over, our day to day choices. We all have the potency to live meaningful lives and affect our world in a positive focussing.Tolstoys Death of Ivan Ilyich addresses me, my family, and my community. Our priorities are good confused when trying to keep up with appearances. Tolstoy contrasts the way we usually live our life, keeping up with appearances and the way we should live our life, with kindness and gratitude.One hundred years after the authors death people still calculate for fulfillment in materialism. Years ago He who Dies with the Most Toys Wins was a popular bumper sticker. I seldom see it anymore. Consumed by debt we struggle to survive. He who Dies with the Most Debt doesnt have quite the same laugh in the face of death attitude. Its not just toys, we invest heavily in cars and homes, jobs and after school activities accept we are what we appear to be. Appearances are artificial. The substance of who we are, the way we treat people is deeper than appearance.As a nation September 11th especially reminded us of the importance of the people in our lives. Listening to phone calls make to loved ones by nine-eleven victims we wondered, Who would we call first if our plane or building was going to consume us? Who would miss us if in the rescue of another human being we were to loose our life? for certain the sacrifice of life would be evidence of a life well-lived, an authentic life. But even Ivan Ilyich in a sense sacrifices his life. Certainly he wanted what was best for his family yet they see him as a nuisance, they really just want him to go away. This man provided the best for his family and in return they want postal code to do with him. The material things he provided are ultimately unimportant. Gerashims compassion for Ivan sheds light on what is truly important. two Ivan and Gershim benefit because of Gershims compassion. Ivan is cared for, his loneliness and pain are lessened. Gershim, having made a difference in someones life, is filled with a satisfaction that can not be cast off. His life has meaning. His compassion comes from his spirit, it is love in action. every last(predicate) the material gifts we give will disintegrate in time but compassion, love for another, has a re-create power. Love authenticates our lives.When we show compassion for our family, friends, and neighbors our communities are better places. Places where hypocrisy, poverty and slavery have a operose time existing. The choices we make daily can add up to a meaningful life and a better world.Question 5 FavoriteA Renewed AppreciationI thoroughly enjoyed the kit and boodle we read especially Frederick Douglass, Moliere, and Jonathan Swift but the work that is my ducky is Leo Tolstoys Death of Ivan Ilyich. Tolstoys story had the most effect on me. As I read the story the first time I demonstrate myself substituting my own husband for Ivan. He, like Ivan works hard to keep up appearances and works in pain. I, like Ivans wife can barely be bothered with him. The story reminded me that compassion is a nonpartizan street. Now when I think about the story it is not someone else I see in Ivans place but myself. The story is my favorite because it has caused me to think about myself and seek change.The work that is my least favorite is Alexander Popes Rape of the Lock. It was my least favorite because the subject matter and the imagination felt so contrasted to me. The piece was difficult to understand, yet I was intrigued, the verse was captivating. As I learned about the imagery and epic poetry I came to cherish this mock epic.Reading the literature from this time period has caused me to appreciate history and the changes that can be initiated through the power of words.