Ally Rossberg

AP Lit & Comp

8/27/12

I. Pre-reading:

A. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

· The book’s focus is on Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a previous student in St. Petersburg with plans to kill a pawnbroker, with good intentions.

· The novel was first published in The Russian Messenger, where it was published in twelve monthly installments.

· The novel takes place in the 1860s, in St. Petersburg, Russia.

· The author encountered many problems throughout his life, such as gambling, epilepsy, and financial problems.

· The middle names of Females and Males in Russia have similar suffixes, meaning “son of”, or “daughter of.”

B. Persuasion by Jane Austen

· Jane Austen has the talent of creating great stories from ordinary situations.

· Many of her novels concern class and gender relationships, as were common to 19th century England.

· Having eight siblings, she was raised in a low-income family, and was unable to receive a very good education.

· Persuasion was the last novel completed by Austen, and was published after her death.

· It features a heroine that comes from a family with a troublesome father.

C. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

· The book takes place during the roaring twenties and embodies the culture of the time.

· From the 1920s to early ‘30s it was illegal to sale or manufacture alcoholic beverages. People who did this illegally were called bootleggers, and often became very rich from it. The book takes place during this time and is a common reference in the novel.

· The setting of the book, in Long Island, New York, is a place where Fitzgerald once lived.

· The main character of the book is Nick Carraway, who lives in a district of “new money.” His next-door neighbor is Gatsby.

· Themes of materialism and immortality are also present throughout the novel

II. Read the novels/plays & annotate while reading.

(See books for annotations)

III. AP Literature Study Guide Outline:

1. Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1866.

2. Main characters

· Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov- He is previously a student, who completes the crime of murdering an old pawnbroker. Described as “…morose, gloomy, proud and haughty… He has a noble nature and a kind heart” (170).

· Sofya Semyonova Marmeladov- “A small thin girl of eighteen with fair hair, rather pretty, with wonderful blue eyes” (147). She becomes one of Raskolnikov’s main confidantes in the novel.

· Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikov- Raskolnikov’s sister (also referred to as Dounia), she is “…tall, strikingly well-proportioned, strong and self-reliant” (163).

3. Minor characters

· Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin- “A practical man…an opponent of all prejudices…he is clever and seems to be good-natured” (29). Dounia’s fiancé, in which the engagement is later called off by conflicts with her brother.

· Alyona Ivanovna- An old pawnbroker who Raskolnikov murders. “A diminutive, withered-up old woman of sixty, with sharp malignant eyes and a sharp little nose” (4).

4. Setting

· “The little room into which the young man walked with yellow paper on the walls, geraniums and muslin curtains in the windows, was brightly lighted up at the moment by the setting sun” (4). It is at this time that Raskolnikov pawns with Alyona Ivanovna and hatches his plan for murder.

· Sonia’s house, where Raskolnikov often goes to confide in her. “It was an old green house of three storeys…Having found in the corner of the courtyard the entrance to the dark and narrow staircase, he mounted to the second floor and came out into a gallery that ran round the whole second storey over the yard” (249).

· After Raskolnikov’s trial he is sentenced to a prison in Siberia. “On the banks of a broad solitary river stands a town, one of the administrative centres of Russia; in the town there is a fortress, in the fortress there is a prison. In the prison the second-class convict Rodion Raskolnikov has been confined for nine months” (418).

5. Plot

The plot revolves around the main character Rodion Raskolnikov, in the early pages of the novel he hatches a plan to murder a pawnbroker, who he feels is unjust. As he follows through with his plans, he begins to have regrets, which are accompanied with fever and delusions. Many people surround him and try to offer explanations and help while he still continues to conceal his crime. Throughout the novel he continues to be very paranoid. It is this paranoia, as well as the few people that he confides in, that he is discovered. He is then put to trial where he openly admits to all his crimes. Resulting in a minimal sentence to a prison in Siberia.

6. Symbols

· Fly- “A fly flew up suddenly and struck the window-pane with a plaintive buzz. At that moment he noticed in the corner between the window and the cupboard something like a cloak hanging on the wall” (220). “Some flies woke up and settled on the untouched veal…He stared and them and at last with his free hand began trying to catch one” (401). The instances the flies appear are moments when characters are struggling to distinguish reality, with Raskolnikov it’s as he is envisioning the old woman returning, and after Svidrigailov has a dream about a young child just before he commits suicide. Insanity is a reoccurring theme in the novel, and the flies are very common things that contribute as reality is muddled.

· Cross- “Without a word Sonia took out of the drawer two crosses…She made the sign of the cross over herself and over him, and put the wooden cross in his neck” (411). Throughout the novel Raskolnikov’s loved ones bless him by crossing him. This offers a form of redemption and also hints that his suffering is not something he can overcome on his own. It is in these moments that love is shared he feels the most strength.

7. Style

The author’s style involves a lot of dialogue that uses a lot of classic language. It also gives insight to a lot of the character’s thoughts as does the narrator. This gives the reader a different perspective than what might just be plainly occurring.

8. Theme

The dominant theme of the book is justice, and is believed to be justifiable, and the consequences that follow in order for the justice to be met.

9. Quotations

· “Good-bye, till we meet then—I embrace you warmly, warmly, with many kisses. Yours till death, Pulcheria Raskolnikov” (33). This is the closing of Pulcheria’s letter to her son. It is in this that the first glimpse of his family’s love is shown for him, especially because so few others do.

· “I’ve done with fancies, imaginary terrors and phantoms! Life is real! Haven’t I lived just now? My life has not yet died with that old woman! The Kingdom of Heaven to her—and now enough, madam, leave me in strength and now we will see! We will try our strength!” (151). Raskolnikov is the person speaking and it is in this scene that he is having a change of heart and mind and decides he is going to change, and his mistake is no longer going to take charge of his life.

· “Nothing in the world is harder than speaking the truth and nothing is easier than flattery” (374). It is Svidrigailov speaking in this scene. He, like Raskolnikov, has made many mistakes, and is in the process of giving a speech to Raskolnikov when this quote becomes a topic of it.

10. Literary elements

· Allusion- “Legislators and leaders of men, such as Lycurgus, Solon, Mahomet, Napoleon, and so on, were all without exception criminals…” (206). Napoleon is often referred to by Raskolnikov, he often uses the example of his lust for power to held justify his crime.

· Third-person omniscient- The narrator explores the point of view of many of the characters, as well as their thoughts and feelings. This offers a broadened perspective for the reader.

1. Persuasion, Jane Austen, 1817.

2. Main characters

· Anne Elliot- “Anne an extremely pretty girl, with gentleness, modesty, taste, and feeling” (25). Anne is the main character of the book, and the middle daughter in the Elliot family.

· Captain Fredrick Wentworth- “Captain Harville, though not equaling Captain Wentworth in manners, was a perfect gentleman…” (93). Captian Wentworth is a past fiancé of Anne’s and hopes to seek her hand again.

· William Elliot- “…Rational, discreet, polished,--but he was not open” (151). He is Anne’s cousin as well as the heir to Kellynch Hall, the Elliot’s estate. He is first viewed as an exceptional young man, until his intentions become known.

3. Minor characters

· Mrs. Smith- “A poor, infirm, helpless widow…Anne found in Mrs. Smith the good sense and agreeable manners which she had almost ventured to depend on, and a disposition to converse and be cheerful beyond her expectation” (144). She’s Anne’s old friend from school who reveals to her the truth of Mr. Elliot.

· Elizabeth Elliot- Anne’s older and most favored sister. “very handsome, with well-bred, elegant manners…” (131).

4. Setting

· “…Uppercross Cottage with its veranda, French windows, and other prettinesses…” (35). It is here that Anne stays with her younger sister after she moves out of Kellynch Hall.

· “With its high grounds and extensive sweeps of country, and still more its sweet retired bay, backed by dark cliffs, where fragments of low rock among the sands make it the happiest spot for watching the flow of the tide, for sitting in unwearied contemplation” (91). Anne accompanies a party of the Musgrove’s on a trip to Lyme, here Louisa gets injured, resulting in the end of her fascination with Captain Wentworth, making him available for Anne.

· “Sir Walter had taken a very good house in Camden-place, a lofty, dignified situation, such as becomes a man of consequence” (128). The Elliot’s new home in Bath is to the liking of everyone except Anne, because she is much more in tune to the reality of things.

5. Plot

While facing financial troubles, the Elliot’s resort to rent out their current home and move somewhere else, as they do this, Anne Elliot leaves to stay with her sister Mary in her husband’s family’s house. As she is staying here she becomes aware that her previous fiancé, Captain Wentworth, is a relative of the family renting out the Elliot’s house. He then becomes well acquainted with the Musgrove’s, who Anne is staying with. Once Anne moves to Bath with the rest of her family, their cousin and heir joins them and him and Anne begin to fall in love. However, once Anne discovers his real intentions she resorts back to Captain Wentworth who has revealed his true feelings for her. They then become engaged once again, but this time she follows through.

6. Symbols

· Carriages- One of the major themes in the book is social class. The Elliots especially value social class and make sure they always have the best. Carriages are a symbol of social class. The social class of a family or individual is often noted by the type of carriage they drive.

· Walks- Throughout the book the characters often go on walks. These times are set aside for personal reflection, as well as relationship development. This can be tied back to several themes in the novel. One of which is past reflection. The past is a vital key throughout the book and it is during these moments that it often resurfaces.

7. Style

The style of the author occurs mostly through a narrator focused on the events of Anne Elliot. The writing style uses subtle humor and sarcasm through the narrator and dialogue. This tone is able to make the story a very good read.

8. Theme

A major theme in the book is social class, it is a determining factor of how each of the characters live, act, and who they associate with.

9. Quotations

· “In fact I have long been convinced, though every profession is necessary and honourable in its turn, it is only the lot of those who are not obliged to follow any, who can line in a regular way, choosing their own hours, following their own pursuits, and living on their own property, without the torment of trying for more” (20). This is said by Mrs. Clay in Sir Walter, as they are trying to convince him to rent out Kellynch Hall. In this passage we are able to see her feelings to the upper class that he belongs to.

· “Every body has their taste in noises as well as in other matters; and sounds are quite innocuous, or most distressing by their sort rather than quantity” (126). Spoken by the narrator, after Lady Russell speaks of her personal preferences of times to visit. It at this time that the previous party of characters are separated. The quote implies how everyone is enjoys different preferences, and while the trip has been exhausting for Lady Russell Anne rather enjoyed it.

· “The last few hours were certainly painful, but when pain is over, the remembrance of it often becomes a pleasure. One does not love a place the less for having suffered in it, unless it has been all suffering, nothing but suffering—which was by no means the case at Lyme” (173). In this passage Anne is speaking to Captain Wentworth about their previous trip to Lyme. It suggests her optimistic spirit, and is one of their last conversations before he confesses his true feeling for her.

10. Literary elements

· Irony- “But he had, as the accustomary intervention of kind friends, they had been informed, spoken must disrespectfully of them all, most slightingly and contemptuously of the very blood he belonged to, and the honours which were hereafter to be his own” (8). There are many instances of irony such as this in the book, it adds to the humor and mood present throughout the novel.

· Allusion- “…trying to ascertain whether Marmion or Lady of the Lake were to be preferred, and how ranked the Giaour was to be pronounced…” (96). There are several other books referred to throughout the novel. They are often used to show a characters personal preference, such as in this instance where Anne and Captain Benwick are arguing over the appropriate types of books to read.

1. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925.

2. Main characters

· Nick Carraway- He’s from a “prominent, well-to-do family” (2), as the main character and narrator in the book he’s trying to make his fortune.

· Jay Gatsby- Nick’s wealthy, mysterious neighbor who is fond of throwing extravagant parties.

· Daisy Buchanan- Nick’s cousin as well as Gatsby’s past lover. “She had an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget” (9).

· Jordan Baker-“She was a slender…Her gray sun-strained eyes looked back as me with polite reciprocal curiosity out of a wan, charming, discontented face” (11). A mutual friend of Daisy and Gatsby, who later also becomes close to Nick.

3. Minor characters

· Myrtle Wilson- “In the middle thirties, and faintly stout…her face contained no facet or gleam of beauty…” (25). Tom Buchanan’s mistress.

4. Setting

· “It was a matter of chance that I should have rented a house in one of the strangest communities in North America. It was on that slender riotous island which extends itself due east of New York—and where there are, among other natural curiosities, two unusual formations of land” (4). It is in this strange neighborhood that Nick becomes acquainted with Gatsby, and his normal life takes a turn.

· “Two o’clock and the whole corner of the peninsula was blazing with light which fell unreal on the shrubbery and made thin elongating glints upon the roadside wires. Turning a corner, I saw that it was Gatsby’s house, lit from tower to cellar” (82). One of the many occurrences of Gatsby’s parties.

· “About five o’clock out procession of three cars reached the cemetery and stopped in a thick drizzle beside the gate—first a motor hearse, horribly black and wet, then Mr. Gatz and the minister and I in the limousine, and a little later four or five servants and the postman for West Egg, in Gatsby’s station wagon, all wet to the skin” (175). It is in the funeral scene that the reality of Gatsby’s relationship with others becomes known. It’s evident that money can’t but you happiness.

5. Plot

The narrator, Nick Carraway, lives in an area referred to as West Egg. In one of his first endeavors he travels to his cousin Daisy Buchanan’s house, where he also meets her husband Tom and the lovely Jordan Baker. As he his there the topic of his neighbor Jay Gatsby comes up, he is know by both Jordan and Daisy. Gatsby is very rich and enjoys throwing parties, which Nick soon gets invited to. After this party him and Gatsby become very close, and Gatsby confesses to Nick his past relationship with Daisy. The two of them become reunited, while Tom also has a secret affair going on. A lot of conflict then occurs between the party. They all take a trip to New York, which ends devastatingly, with Tom’s mistress getting run over by Gatsby’s car, which Daisy was driving. In an act of later retaliation the husband of the mistress, Mr. Wilson, then murders Gatsby.

6. Symbols

· Green light- “Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light” (22). “I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it” (182). This green light is the light on Daisy’s dock as seen form West Egg. This light is symbolic of hope for Gatsby, and the relationship he longs to once again have with Daisy. However, because this light is so far away it is also an unattainable dream.

· New York- “Tom’s got some woman in New York” (15). “All right…I’m perfectly willing to go to town. Come on—we’re all going to town” (119). New York is where the characters go to escape reality. In the first instance Tom and Mrs. Wilson go there to be together and away from their actual families. Later, Daisy and Gatsby also go there. New York is symbolic of all the secrets throughout the novel.

7. Style

The author uses some dialogue; however, most of the plot progression is done through the first-person narration. This lets the reader know what is happening by someone who is actually in the situation as well as their thoughts and feelings.

8. Theme

A dominant theme in the book is class and riches, as the book takes place in the 1920s this was of high importance as well as those who are “new-money” opposed to “old-money”.

9. Quotations

· “It was testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in the world” (44). This quote it thought by Nick as he is at Gatsby’s party, he is referring to the mysteriousness that Gatsby’s guests view him with. Nick then becomes just as curious as they are, until he is later revealed by Gatsby his life story.

· “Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known” (60). Here it is Nick talking. In his inference, it is reflecting not only his good virtues but also the bad ones of others. It makes him a good narrator because he is the only character in the book who has nothing to hide. Meanwhile, he also has a way of being in tune with all the other character’s secrets, and there are a lot of them.

· “It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upon which you have expended your own powers of adjustment” (105). This quote takes place at one of Gatsby’s many parties. However, at this one Daisy and Tom are there together, and Nick is trying to view the situation through her eyes. Nick is very selfless compared to the other characters, and this is an example of him exhibiting it.

10. Literary elements

· Anaphora- “Occasionally a line of gray cars crawls along an invisible track…the ash-gray men swarm up with leaden spades…But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it…” (23). The use of a frequent word adds emphasis to the word and helps set the mood. In this instance the repetition of the word “gray” helps set a grim scene, which is also reflective of Nick’s opinion of the situation.

· Simile- “A breeze blew through the room, blew curtains in at one end and our the other like pale flats, twisting them up toward the frosted wedding-cake of the ceiling…” (8). “So engrossed was she that she had no consciousness of being observed, and one emotion after another crept into her face like objects into a slowly developing picture” (125). Similes provide a form of imagery, they give an ordinary object or person more emotion and life, by comparing it to one thing or another.

IV . Keep a vocabulary list of unknown words.

A. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

· Presentiment (8)- foreboding.

· Vice (9)- an immoral practice.

· Expostulating (23)- to earnestly reason.

· Ignominy (28)- disgrace.

· Stupefaction (56)- overwhelming amazement.

· Casuistry (58)- deceptive.

· Perpetuity (53)- long duration or existence.

· Samovar (124)- a metal urn.

· Vouchsafed (169)- to grant or give.

· Callous (171)- hardened.

· Capricious (172)- subject to, or led by a whim.

· Jargon (186)- the language of a particular trade, profession, or group.

· Mirth (197)- amusement.

· Apoplexy (223)- a stroke.

· Emancipation (225)- to be free from restraint or influence.

· Cambric (234)- a thin, plain cotton or linen fabric of fine close weave.

· Conjugal (239)- of, or pertaining to marriage.

· Vindictive (242)- vengeful.

· Fatuity (243)- foolishness.

· Aureole (244)- a radiance surrounding the hear or figure of a sacred personage.

· Self-abnegation (346)- denying oneself of rights or conveniences.

· Obsequious (366)- servile complaisance or deference.

· Profligate (371)- shamelessly immoral.

· Epithet (376)- describing an actual or attributed quality.

B. Persuasion by Jane Austen

· Emendation (12)- a correction or change.

· Fastidiousness (27)- excessively particular, critical, or demanding.

· Sanguine (28)- cheerfully optimistic.

· Pelisse (62)- A long cloak with slits for the arms.

· Fraternal (70)- brotherly.

· Blighted (93)- rapid and extensive discoloration.

· Consigned (107)- to hand over or deliver formally.

· Incumbrance (109)- burdensome.

· Ascertain (136)- to find out definitely.

· Complaisance (139)- inclined to please.

· Affluence (145)- abundance of material goods.

· Cavil (146)- to raise irritating and trivial objections.

· Gouty (156)- pertaining to an acute, recurrent disease.

· Caprice (172)- sudden, unpredictable change.

· Inimitable (179)- incapable of being copied.

· Officious (187)- aggressive.

· Avarice (194)- insatiable greed for riches.

· Doated (219)- to have love expresses upon.

· Alacrity (226)- cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness.

· Impetuosity (235)- taking sudden or rash action.

C. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

· Levity (1)- lightness of mind, character, or behavior.

· Effeminate (7)- a man or boy possessing feminine qualities.

· Extemporizing (15)- done with special advanced preparation.

· Rotogravure (19)- pictures printed on a copper cylinder.

· Peremptorily (20)- leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal.

· Harlequin (40)- a buffoon.

· Prodigality (40)- wasteful spending.

· Vehemently (42)- impassioned.

· Florid (49)- excessively ornate.

· Proprietor (64)- owner, person with exclusive rights.

· Harrowed (86)- an agricultural implement.

· Perturbed (105)- to disturb.

· Dilatory (110)- intending to delay or procrastinate.

· Contingency (122)- dependence on chance.

· Ingratiate (102)- to establish in the favor of others.

· Portentous (128)- momentous.

· Sagely (132)- a profoundly wise person.

· Redolent (151)- having a pleasant odor.

V. Write THREE critical analysis essays.

1. Crime & Punishment: “Choose a character from (Crime & Punishment) who responds in some significant way to justice or injustice. Then write a well- developed essay in which you analyze the character’s understanding of justice, the degree to which the character’s search for justice is successful, and the significance of this search for the work as a whole” (Open-ended question, AP English Lit. exam, 2011).

Oftentimes people are forced into situations that may not seem particularly fair. While they may not be able to influence what these situations are, they do have the opportunity to decide how they react to them. It is these reactions that define a person, and further help them develop. In the face of affliction it is often difficult to find the strength to rise above them, and it is truly honorable when one does. A character that exhibits this attitude in the novel Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is

Sofya Semyonova Marmeladov. There are many injustices that find their way into her life, and her reactions to them are noteworthy. As these untimely events occur, she

keeps a persistent and positive outlook as she accepts her situation and remains true to herself.

One situation that arises concerns her family. Many families during the setting are faced with poverty; her family is an example of this. In this situation, her family resorts to her becoming a prostitute in order to contribute income. Coming from a religious background this is especially difficult for Sonia, as it is viewed as a disgrace. Both parents are perfectly capable of work, but exert minimal efforts. In addition, the little money her father does earn, he spends it on drinks. All the money Sonia makes is then given to her mother to support her, as well as the other children. Any chances of freedom she has are simply taken from her, as she becomes obliged to provide for her family. There are many ways Sonia could react to this; yet, she accepts that she has no control over other people’s actions and continues her selfless acts of helping to support her family. Though the situation is unjustifiable, she puts her need aside and sees that there is justice in it for others.

The second situation she becomes involved with is Raskolnikov’s. He first becomes acquainted with her through her father, as a matter of chance and mutual acquaintance. At first the relationship seems insignificant and unimportant; however, as each character progresses the friendship proves to be vital. Sonia becomes a stalwart to him, as she is the one who Raskolnikov first truly confesses his murder to. Even after she finds out it was he who murdered her good friend Lizaveta, she still remains faithful. It is often from unfortunate situations that virtuous characteristics are developed. Her circumstances taught her to be charitable and not be judgmental; these not only strengthen her, but Raskolnikov. She continues her kindness towards him by offering advice on how to handle his misfortune, and later accompanying him as he acts on her counsel. She represents a beacon of trust in his life. His family and other close friends express individual opinions of him, all of which they assume to be correct. Yet, no one understands him as perfectly as Sonia does. In this situation, Sonia chooses to put someone else’s well being above her own, as she strives to bring justice into Raskolnikov’s life.

The final example of injustice that falls upon Sonia occurs just before she leaves with Raskolnikov to Siberia. It begins as her father is run over by a carriage, leaving him in critical condition. While this may seem unjustifiable for her, the event in itself can be considered reasonable. Marmeladov would simply waste away his time and money, hence wasting away his life. Since he makes so little contribution, he could be considered better off dead. His death, however, is viewed as a tragedy by his loved ones. After his death, Sonia’s mother becomes more mentally unsound than she already was. In her state of mind, she puts the children to work with aspirations for them to earn money as street performers. Sonia has no choice but to act as an innocent by-stander during the tragic turn of events. Her mother’s disability eventually leads to her death that same week. From this tragedy the children are placed into hospitable settings, which are of justice to them, leaving Sonya free to venture to Siberia with Raskolnikov.

It would be very easy for Sonia to be selfish, and to handle her situations in a less ideal way. Despite all the hardships she encounters, she still knows what is important and never wavers from what she knows to be right. She is diligent in taking advantage of her resources and using them to help others, especially as she’s trying to uplift Raskolnikov. She also continually supports her family, even though it is not necessarily her obligation. Through all these injustices, her responses are excellent. Finally, all the events reach their end and are no longer forced upon her. At last she reaches a point of justice where she is able to live in a way of freedom that was impossible before.

2. Persuasion: “Choose a work of literature written before 1900. Write an essay in which you present arguments for and against the work’s relevance for a person” (today). (Open-ended question, AP English Lit. exam, 1974).

Application can be found in everything. No matter how old a work is, if effort is truly put into it, one can always find something relevant. In the book Persuasion by Jane Austen, many applicable topics can be found. The book is set during early 19th century England, and follows the life of Anne Elliot, an out-spoken, independent young woman. Through Anne’s independence she hopes to be able to achieve her aspirations, by doing whatever is deemed necessary. The characteristics present in the protagonist are noble virtues, many of which have been lost with time. Though the book takes place about two hundred years in the past, the situation, in its simplicity, is an ordinary present day occurrence. In literature, the value of things such as these can be more easily seen and applied.

Anne Elliot is very different from the rest of her family. Her older sister is most favored, especially by her father; while her younger sister was married at an early age and now resides with her husband. With both her sisters tied down, Anne has learned to be very independent. Independence is often a hard thing to learn; however, once a desire to accomplish something is obtained, independence is often the best way to do so. Anne exhibits this as she goes after love, despite the opposition imposed by her family’s values. Today, keeping family name and honor are usually not of highest priority, but it was this holding Anne back from marrying Captain Wentworth. Who at that time was a poor, less than ideal suitor for Miss Elliot, but later returns with hopes of redeeming himself. It is often those held in highest esteem that present the most convincing arguments when keeping one from obtaining their aspirations. Once a desire is planted in one’s mind though, it rarely escapes without being fulfilled.

Oftentimes, when goals are made, there are obstacles put in the way. When Anne becomes reacquainted with her lost love many of these arise. Anne is persistent as she attempts to endure the challenges put in her way. It sometimes seems convenient to change a situation into what appears to be most ideal; however, when this strategy is applied, the difficulties are often increased. Instead of attempting this, Anne decides to apply patience. This is one of the ways a goal can be reached. As long as the goal remains in sight, the means by which it is reached are simply minor details. Some strategies may be faster than others, while others are more convenient. All possible options should be weighed until the best one is discovered. There are different ways to pursue everything, and once this is acknowledged, reaching a goal can become that much easier.

It is often impossible to have control over circumstances; it then becomes appropriate to adjust goals to fit the current situation. When Anne’s goal falls out of reach, she is not afraid to take a detour. If a situation arises, it’s often best to take advantage of it. Anne exhibits this as she deters from Wentworth to her cousin. Though it is no longer relevant for cousins to be in a relationship together, it can be gathered that goals can sometimes be put on hold. Similarly, it is important to never lose sight of things that are truly valuable, and make adjustment that are most beneficial. Once Anne realizes that her change of plan was not for the best, she does not wait around to eliminate adversity from her life. As she does this, her previous goal of Captain Wentworth is renewed as he becomes within her reach. Once someone has a goal, if patience is applied and distractions are eliminated, achievement can follow.

In the end, Anne does achieve her aspirations. It can be found relevant that through independence things can be conquered individually. Others can be of good influence; however, it is important that they do not conceal the most valuable things. One must follow their hopes and dreams. Setting goals and acting upon them is a way to achieve this. When obstacles arise it is best to try to overcome them; however, this is not always a possibility then one must change plans or endure with patience. Two situations are never completely alike, but it is always possible to find something useful out of any situation.

3. The Great Gatsby: “Critic Roland Barthe has said, ‘Literature is the question minus the answer.’ Choose a work from the Additional Readings author list, and considering Barthe’s observation; write an essay in which you analyze a central question the work raises and the extent to which it offers answers. Explain how the author’s treatment of this question affects your understanding of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary” (Open-ended, Form B, AP Lit test, 2004).

The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set during the 1920s, a time where class and riches were of high importance. One character acclaimed for his class and wealth is Jay Gatsby. However, through him the question is posed, “Can money buy you happiness?” To every on-looker it seems Gatsby is living a most ideal life, as they easily take advantage of him. One character who expresses similar views for a time is the narrator, Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor. Gatsby’s life is a complete mystery to all, including the man just one door down. As a bond begins to form between the two characters, Gatsby’s true motives are revealed and change Nick’s previous opinion. The answer to the question later becomes completely clear as Gatsby realizes the terrible truth.

For those who do not have riches, it seems evident that those who are wealthy are most happy. Gatsby, one who is most wealthy, takes the liberty of indulging others with his riches at his weekly parties. The invitations are much sought after, and once obtained solidify in the guests’ minds that the source of happiness is money. However, the source of Gatsby’s riches remains a mystery, as do his whereabouts during the parties. As he is rarely seen at his parties, it can be inferred that they are more for his guests’ benefit than his. They remain a means by which he can flaunt his money, while his true intentions remain a mystery. Since his money does not buy his happiness, the question expands to, “what does bring about happiness?” It also becomes an evident possibility that happiness is never completely attainable. There is always something bigger and better, creating an unattainable goal.

Nick Carraway, as previously mentioned, is one party guest who has the opportunity to behold Gatsby’s secrets, as well as a possible answer to the posed question. As Gatsby’s neighbor, he has a better vantage point into his life than others.

As a guest and neighbor he assumed the same opinions as those surrounding him, the reality of Gatsby was left in the dark. Being a New York citizen in the 1920s, he expressed the typical goal of living the American dream. He had high aspirations to make a fortune in order to become like Gatsby and other acclaimed residents. To him it appeared that money was the source of happiness. However, as he becomes more acquainted with Gatsby, he learns of his insatiable happiness, and recognizes the true sorrow hidden behind his rich façade.

The one thing Gatsby wants is Daisy Buchanan. However, this happens to be one of the few things his money cannot buy him. Yet, she has remained his goal from his early years; he aspires to get rich in order to impress the girl of his dreams. A small green light from Daisy’s dock can be seen from his house. She is so close, but so far from his grasp. He recognizes the obstacles, and proceeds to attempt to overcome them. Gatsby believes that once he gets enough money he will be able to have Daisy, thus providing him with happiness. Gatsby is persistent in achieving what he wants. It becomes known that he uses his parties to attract guests with hopes that one day Daisy will walk through his door. When she does, he immediately acts on the opportunity, which later proves to be an unfortunate decision. He learns that happiness is not brought about by money, or even by possessing his ultimate dream. It is not until his last breath that he recognizes this reality. He is left without friends, without possession, without Daisy, and without happiness.

It becomes evident that happiness is never attainable. Happiness however, can exist in a single moment, object, or person. It is when people try to collect these things that they realize there is always more to have. When people chase after this false sense of happiness they learn they can never be truly happy. This form of happiness is brought about by money, and can never be satisfied. Once people recognize what they have and realize that they can be happy with that, that they can find a peace of mind. Happiness, therefore, is simply a state of mind. If one thinks they are happy, then they will be. In contrast, if they think they will be happy once they are in possession of something, they will continually be searching for this false sense of happiness. Leaving them stuck in a cruel reality of never being satisfied.