Quote: "Nothing could be more delightful! To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love" (Austen 5).
In today's society, we don't see love as something that can be acquired by doing a certain deed. It naturally occurs, which makes love beautiful and very delicate. During this time period, everybody was to act in a certain manner. The meaning of love was used very loosely, especially when it came time for picking spouses. A woman's main goal was not to fall in love with a man, but to first woo him with her amazing looks in order to catch his attention. After this first goal was achieved, the man entangled in the woman's beauty would fall in love with her. Thus, "it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment" (19). This quote is an example of a social expectation for women. Women had to fill certain requirements before they engaged in courtly love. Marrying into a higher social status was a familial obligation, and in order for this to occur, love was a key requirement. Women simply used love to receive what was expected of them.
Quote: "His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and every body hoped that he would never come there again" (7).
In this time period, character defined a person. It was what made a person respectable or repulsive. Judging somebody takes time and careful thought, instead of allowing one's pride and prejudice to interfere with their feelings. We only see the actions of man, not the moral process behind them. Mrs. Bennet and the other women of the neighboring households labeled Mr. Darcy as "a fine figure of a man" (6). They passed this judgment on their first impression of him. Their first impression of Mr. Darcy was eventually shot down when they discovered he was a man filled with pride and distasteful manners. Basing one's judgment on a first impression represented a major social critique. In reality, one must not be deceived by a first impression, but simply take it in with caution.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Abolition of Man: The Tao/ Appendix
Most important part:
2. The Law of Special Beneficence
I believe the law of special beneficence is the most important part of the Tao because I feel that this is one of the things we take for granted. Whether it is a sibling or a parent, we see our family almost every day. As annoying as our younger sibling may be or overbearing our parents are, we must not forget that these are the people who have supported us, in some way or another, and guided us to where we are today. Although we get into arguments and disagreements with a family member, we can not forget that they are still a part of us: 'Nothing can ever change the claims of kinship for a right thinking man' (Anglo-Saxon. Beowulf, 2600). Family is an important part of society. We learn from our parents and relatives what is right and what is wrong through their actions. If we collide with them on a misunderstanding, we must not blame them nor seek vengeance. We need to understand or simply admit that our family is not our enemy, but simply wants the best for us, but it is our choice whether we want to listen to them or not.
My Concept:
The Law of Reasoning
I think a concept of reason can be added to the Tao. People tend to rush into a decision, or follow what their acquaintance believes to be correct. In society, we are faced with difficult situations where we must choose. For example, how are we to look at abortion with teen pregnancy? It is easy for us to say that killing a living being is wrong, but if we logically think about it, how will this child be raised after it is born? A teenage mother is not educated enough, nor responsible enough to care for a baby. The girl would definitely not be able to afford raising a child on her own either. Most likely, the only answer to this situation would be to let her parents take care of the baby. This poses another problem: what if the girl's parents are not understanding towards this situation, and the girl is not able to tell them she is pregnant? Another option would be giving the child in for adoption, where we face another issue: how will the baby be raised? Who are the people that will be caring for this child? This is where the law of reasoning comes in: is abortion something to consider? In other words, we must think things through before coming to a decision, and the law of reasoning would teach and guide people to do so.
2. The Law of Special Beneficence
I believe the law of special beneficence is the most important part of the Tao because I feel that this is one of the things we take for granted. Whether it is a sibling or a parent, we see our family almost every day. As annoying as our younger sibling may be or overbearing our parents are, we must not forget that these are the people who have supported us, in some way or another, and guided us to where we are today. Although we get into arguments and disagreements with a family member, we can not forget that they are still a part of us: 'Nothing can ever change the claims of kinship for a right thinking man' (Anglo-Saxon. Beowulf, 2600). Family is an important part of society. We learn from our parents and relatives what is right and what is wrong through their actions. If we collide with them on a misunderstanding, we must not blame them nor seek vengeance. We need to understand or simply admit that our family is not our enemy, but simply wants the best for us, but it is our choice whether we want to listen to them or not.
My Concept:
The Law of Reasoning
I think a concept of reason can be added to the Tao. People tend to rush into a decision, or follow what their acquaintance believes to be correct. In society, we are faced with difficult situations where we must choose. For example, how are we to look at abortion with teen pregnancy? It is easy for us to say that killing a living being is wrong, but if we logically think about it, how will this child be raised after it is born? A teenage mother is not educated enough, nor responsible enough to care for a baby. The girl would definitely not be able to afford raising a child on her own either. Most likely, the only answer to this situation would be to let her parents take care of the baby. This poses another problem: what if the girl's parents are not understanding towards this situation, and the girl is not able to tell them she is pregnant? Another option would be giving the child in for adoption, where we face another issue: how will the baby be raised? Who are the people that will be caring for this child? This is where the law of reasoning comes in: is abortion something to consider? In other words, we must think things through before coming to a decision, and the law of reasoning would teach and guide people to do so.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Abolition of Man: Abolition of Man
Quote 1: "At the moment [...] of Men's victory over Nature, we find the whole human race subjected to some individual men, and those individuals subjected to that in themselves which is purely 'natural' -to their irrational impulses" (67).
Quote 2: "Once our souls [...] have been given up, the power thus conferred will not belong to us. We shall in fact be the slaves and the puppets of which we have given our souls" (72).
Lewis begins talking about how each generation is handed down what the last generation has left behind. It is then, that generation's choice to follow, change, or resist the power of its predecessor. The age that attains maximum power is the age that emancipates the most from tradition. The master generation, which is still very small in the species of man, will have power excessed by a small minority. For example, the president and his government, which is minute compared to the entire population of the United States, run an entire country of people. Lewis mentions when the power of Man convinces another to do something they feel is acceptable, the person being convinced is giving up their Human Nature; thus, we face the issue of the abolition of man. Lewis also states: "We reduce things to mere Nature in order that we may 'conquer' them" (71). In conclusion, after stripping an object of what makes it appealing, and reducing it to mere quantity, it can be adjusted to what we want it to be. Like trees, after cutting them down for firewood, we are satisfied.
Quote 2: "Once our souls [...] have been given up, the power thus conferred will not belong to us. We shall in fact be the slaves and the puppets of which we have given our souls" (72).
Lewis begins talking about how each generation is handed down what the last generation has left behind. It is then, that generation's choice to follow, change, or resist the power of its predecessor. The age that attains maximum power is the age that emancipates the most from tradition. The master generation, which is still very small in the species of man, will have power excessed by a small minority. For example, the president and his government, which is minute compared to the entire population of the United States, run an entire country of people. Lewis mentions when the power of Man convinces another to do something they feel is acceptable, the person being convinced is giving up their Human Nature; thus, we face the issue of the abolition of man. Lewis also states: "We reduce things to mere Nature in order that we may 'conquer' them" (71). In conclusion, after stripping an object of what makes it appealing, and reducing it to mere quantity, it can be adjusted to what we want it to be. Like trees, after cutting them down for firewood, we are satisfied.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Abolition of Man: The Way
Quote 1: "[The Tao] is the sole source of all value judgments. If it is rejected, all value is rejected. If any value is retained, it is retained" (43).
Quote 2: "If we are to have values at all we must accept the ultimate platitudes of Practical Reason as having absolute validity" (49).
Lewis explains that Gaius ,Titius, and the Innovator believe in an ideal society, and are attempting to win their readers approval of it. Other's values, according to Gaius, Titius, and the Innovator, are doubtful, simply because it does not follow theirs. They are trying to cut out any emotion one feels, so that one will only do things for society's benefit. We either agree to do anything to preserve society or we give up finding the core reason behind our sentiments that have been falsified. It is an instinct within us to preserve society and ourselves; we do not need Reason to tell us this. Gaius and Titius believe that our care in "posterity finds its justification in instinct" (39). Lewis opposes this and explains our instinct is "the impulse to preserve our own children and grandchildren" (38). Lewis also expresses that "all the practical principles behind the Innovator's case for posterity, or society, or the species, are there from time immemorial in the Tao" (40). All value we have will be sentimental, but not always subjective because there are things that do not need proof to be considered simply reasonable. Those that do not believe in the Tao must not speak against it because they do not know what it is, but those who practice it, will understand what is being said. In conclusion, skeptics who try to eliminate traditional values and replace them with 'real' values are rejecting the concept of value altogether.
Quote 2: "If we are to have values at all we must accept the ultimate platitudes of Practical Reason as having absolute validity" (49).
Lewis explains that Gaius ,Titius, and the Innovator believe in an ideal society, and are attempting to win their readers approval of it. Other's values, according to Gaius, Titius, and the Innovator, are doubtful, simply because it does not follow theirs. They are trying to cut out any emotion one feels, so that one will only do things for society's benefit. We either agree to do anything to preserve society or we give up finding the core reason behind our sentiments that have been falsified. It is an instinct within us to preserve society and ourselves; we do not need Reason to tell us this. Gaius and Titius believe that our care in "posterity finds its justification in instinct" (39). Lewis opposes this and explains our instinct is "the impulse to preserve our own children and grandchildren" (38). Lewis also expresses that "all the practical principles behind the Innovator's case for posterity, or society, or the species, are there from time immemorial in the Tao" (40). All value we have will be sentimental, but not always subjective because there are things that do not need proof to be considered simply reasonable. Those that do not believe in the Tao must not speak against it because they do not know what it is, but those who practice it, will understand what is being said. In conclusion, skeptics who try to eliminate traditional values and replace them with 'real' values are rejecting the concept of value altogether.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Abolition of Man: Men Without Chests
Quote 1: "The man who called the cataract sublime was not intending simply to describe his own emotions about it: he was also claiming that the object was one which merited those emotions" (15).
Quote 2: "We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise" (26).
Lewis argues that writers, such as Gaius and Titius, are not enhancing their readers' knowledge, but are making it worse. When Gaius and Titius talk about something, they focus on one group of people to direct their message to, forgetting that there are other populations of people either confused or not bothered by the same message. Basically, nothing is really being taught. Gaius and Titius are teaching students that their opinion on an object is an opinion they hold about themselves. Lewis logically refutes this position by stating how an object has value within itself; therefore one may call it what it appears, like beautiful or distorted. In other words, Gaius and Titius do not have the right to teach students what to feel and how they should feel, which brings up "men without chests" (26). Students are brainwashed rather than taught to the point where they cannot feel with their own feelings, but from what has been taught to them. Lewis uses an aggressive syntax and diction to support his logic to get his point across. There is not as much emotion used, but Lewis shows his character through his opinions: "I myself do not enjoy the society of small children: because I speak from within the Tao I recognize this as a defect in myself" (19).
Quote 2: "We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise" (26).
Lewis argues that writers, such as Gaius and Titius, are not enhancing their readers' knowledge, but are making it worse. When Gaius and Titius talk about something, they focus on one group of people to direct their message to, forgetting that there are other populations of people either confused or not bothered by the same message. Basically, nothing is really being taught. Gaius and Titius are teaching students that their opinion on an object is an opinion they hold about themselves. Lewis logically refutes this position by stating how an object has value within itself; therefore one may call it what it appears, like beautiful or distorted. In other words, Gaius and Titius do not have the right to teach students what to feel and how they should feel, which brings up "men without chests" (26). Students are brainwashed rather than taught to the point where they cannot feel with their own feelings, but from what has been taught to them. Lewis uses an aggressive syntax and diction to support his logic to get his point across. There is not as much emotion used, but Lewis shows his character through his opinions: "I myself do not enjoy the society of small children: because I speak from within the Tao I recognize this as a defect in myself" (19).
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Letter from Birmingham Jail Analysis Essay
A Powerful Man
Martin Luther King Jr. represents a black man living in an unjust society. A black person in the 1960s was the equivalent of an animal. Whites did not regard anything they had to say, or even attempted to do so. King sat in a prison cell writing a letter to this very same race of people. Criminals, especially black criminals, were generally not credible; therefore it was crucial that he presented his argument with great confidence, and self-respect. In order for this to occur, King personified his argument with an intelligent use of literary devices and syntax. In the letter’s entirety, these devices and arrangement of words are what made this letter so persuasive.
In the beginning of his letter, King respectively responds to the clergymen’s statement, calling his activities “unwise and untimely” (738). His use of parallelism gives the white clergy members a clear and concise response as to what he was doing in Birmingham to begin with: “I am here […] because we were invited here. I am here because I have basic organizational ties here. […] I am in Birmingham because injustice is here” (739). King did not avoid telling the white clergymen the truth. He simply stated it with dignity and confidence. King admitted that he was “compelled to carry the gospel of freedom [and] […] like Paul, […] respond to the Macedonian call for aid” (739). His allusion to Paul and other biblical references shows the reader how determined he was to make a change and act like a true Christian. Not only does this allusion enhance his character, but it also brought out the common bond the white clergymen and black people shared. King also forces the readers to consider a commonly held belief from a new perspective by using inversion: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (739). He reminds the clergymen that justice will not take place until injustice has been cleared.
After stating his reasons for being in Birmingham, King points out the deceitfulness of the white people. Negotiations had taken place for a change, such as the agreement to take down humiliating racial signs. Unfortunately, things as simple as this were not fulfilled. Using personification, King expressed the emotion felt after learning the black people had been betrayed: “We were victims of a broken promise […] with blasted hopes, and the dark shadow of a deep disappointment” (740). The personification enhances the emotion felt by King. He used aggressive diction to show that blacks also had feelings and were on the same plane as white people.
An important thing King did throughout his letter was anticipating his opposition’s argument, and putting an end to it before it was brought up. Not only was King a black man, but also a person sitting in a prison cell writing this letter. People were looking for one little flaw to call him on, and accuse him as hypocrite. Therefore, he used a series of rhetorical questions to show his anticipation and refuted it boldly: “Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, etc? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” (740). King logically responds to these questions by stating how important it is to have the tension of all these things, so “that it will help man rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding” (741). King uses parallelism to explain two major opposing forces using depth and height. The reader can grasp how far the two are on a large spectrum, showing how much change is needed to fix the issue of discrimination.
King showed how fallacious waiting for equal rights was by using a practical juxtaposition. The black people were already put to dismay by the white people when they did not follow through with the negotiations discussed. King was not going to allow that to occur once more. In order to prove how unreliable white people were, King compared the current society to what would be considered less progressive: “The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jet-like speed toward the goal of political independence, and we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee” (742). King showed how disappointing society was compared to undeveloped countries. Of all places, America would be the one to be moving at jet-like speed. Why should black people believe something the white people say when they have trouble keeping their word? The use of juxtaposition strengthens the reason behind King’s point.
The white people, having to never go through such pain, suffering, and neglect, did not know what the black people faced every day of their lives. King used imagery to paint the reader a picture of the inexplicable things blacks went through: “You […] tell your six year-old daughter why she can’t go to the public amusement […] and see tears welling up in her little eyes […] and see depressing clouds of inferiority begin to form in her little mental sky” (742). Any white parent can relate to how painful it is seeing their innocent little child bawling their eyes out for something that is not their fault. The use of imagery increases the emotion felt when a black person was faced with this situation. King uses periodic sentences to give the reader a physical sense of what was going on through his mind. With all the commas and semicolons, a person does not have a chance to catch their breath, until they hit the last sentence with a pause in the same exhaustion King felt: “Then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait” (742). The last sentence is given the authority it deserves. After reading half a page continuously, the reader walks away knowing and feeling exactly what King felt.
To close his letter, King used a beautiful metaphor that placed a light of hope into his followers’ minds. Instead of simply encouraging everybody to hope for the best, King paints an image of hope: “Let […] the dark clouds of racial prejudice […] soon pass away and the deep fog of understanding […] be lifted from our fear-drenched communities [so] the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine […] with all its scintillating beauty” (752-753). King speaks of darkness, which slowly increases into glory. His metaphor leaves a lasting impression upon the reader as they set the letter down. Nobody can forget the powerful use of diction King used and the passion he felt as he ended this letter.
Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential leaders in American history. This letter is one of the many reasons why citizens are fortunate enough to have equal rights. His use of literary devices and syntax still has a powerful impact on readers to this day. If it had not been for King’s phenomenal rhetoric and literary devices to move his audience, he may not have been able to persuade the thousands of people in America to fight for what they believe in.
Martin Luther King Jr. represents a black man living in an unjust society. A black person in the 1960s was the equivalent of an animal. Whites did not regard anything they had to say, or even attempted to do so. King sat in a prison cell writing a letter to this very same race of people. Criminals, especially black criminals, were generally not credible; therefore it was crucial that he presented his argument with great confidence, and self-respect. In order for this to occur, King personified his argument with an intelligent use of literary devices and syntax. In the letter’s entirety, these devices and arrangement of words are what made this letter so persuasive.
In the beginning of his letter, King respectively responds to the clergymen’s statement, calling his activities “unwise and untimely” (738). His use of parallelism gives the white clergy members a clear and concise response as to what he was doing in Birmingham to begin with: “I am here […] because we were invited here. I am here because I have basic organizational ties here. […] I am in Birmingham because injustice is here” (739). King did not avoid telling the white clergymen the truth. He simply stated it with dignity and confidence. King admitted that he was “compelled to carry the gospel of freedom [and] […] like Paul, […] respond to the Macedonian call for aid” (739). His allusion to Paul and other biblical references shows the reader how determined he was to make a change and act like a true Christian. Not only does this allusion enhance his character, but it also brought out the common bond the white clergymen and black people shared. King also forces the readers to consider a commonly held belief from a new perspective by using inversion: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (739). He reminds the clergymen that justice will not take place until injustice has been cleared.
After stating his reasons for being in Birmingham, King points out the deceitfulness of the white people. Negotiations had taken place for a change, such as the agreement to take down humiliating racial signs. Unfortunately, things as simple as this were not fulfilled. Using personification, King expressed the emotion felt after learning the black people had been betrayed: “We were victims of a broken promise […] with blasted hopes, and the dark shadow of a deep disappointment” (740). The personification enhances the emotion felt by King. He used aggressive diction to show that blacks also had feelings and were on the same plane as white people.
An important thing King did throughout his letter was anticipating his opposition’s argument, and putting an end to it before it was brought up. Not only was King a black man, but also a person sitting in a prison cell writing this letter. People were looking for one little flaw to call him on, and accuse him as hypocrite. Therefore, he used a series of rhetorical questions to show his anticipation and refuted it boldly: “Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, etc? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” (740). King logically responds to these questions by stating how important it is to have the tension of all these things, so “that it will help man rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding” (741). King uses parallelism to explain two major opposing forces using depth and height. The reader can grasp how far the two are on a large spectrum, showing how much change is needed to fix the issue of discrimination.
King showed how fallacious waiting for equal rights was by using a practical juxtaposition. The black people were already put to dismay by the white people when they did not follow through with the negotiations discussed. King was not going to allow that to occur once more. In order to prove how unreliable white people were, King compared the current society to what would be considered less progressive: “The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jet-like speed toward the goal of political independence, and we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee” (742). King showed how disappointing society was compared to undeveloped countries. Of all places, America would be the one to be moving at jet-like speed. Why should black people believe something the white people say when they have trouble keeping their word? The use of juxtaposition strengthens the reason behind King’s point.
The white people, having to never go through such pain, suffering, and neglect, did not know what the black people faced every day of their lives. King used imagery to paint the reader a picture of the inexplicable things blacks went through: “You […] tell your six year-old daughter why she can’t go to the public amusement […] and see tears welling up in her little eyes […] and see depressing clouds of inferiority begin to form in her little mental sky” (742). Any white parent can relate to how painful it is seeing their innocent little child bawling their eyes out for something that is not their fault. The use of imagery increases the emotion felt when a black person was faced with this situation. King uses periodic sentences to give the reader a physical sense of what was going on through his mind. With all the commas and semicolons, a person does not have a chance to catch their breath, until they hit the last sentence with a pause in the same exhaustion King felt: “Then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait” (742). The last sentence is given the authority it deserves. After reading half a page continuously, the reader walks away knowing and feeling exactly what King felt.
To close his letter, King used a beautiful metaphor that placed a light of hope into his followers’ minds. Instead of simply encouraging everybody to hope for the best, King paints an image of hope: “Let […] the dark clouds of racial prejudice […] soon pass away and the deep fog of understanding […] be lifted from our fear-drenched communities [so] the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine […] with all its scintillating beauty” (752-753). King speaks of darkness, which slowly increases into glory. His metaphor leaves a lasting impression upon the reader as they set the letter down. Nobody can forget the powerful use of diction King used and the passion he felt as he ended this letter.
Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential leaders in American history. This letter is one of the many reasons why citizens are fortunate enough to have equal rights. His use of literary devices and syntax still has a powerful impact on readers to this day. If it had not been for King’s phenomenal rhetoric and literary devices to move his audience, he may not have been able to persuade the thousands of people in America to fight for what they believe in.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Letter from Birmingham Jail Outline
Letter from Birmingham Jail Outline
I. Logos (Logic)
a. MLK uses careful reasoning and logic in support of every point he makes, especially when he is refuting a point made by the white clergymen.
b. He uses more than one example and supports each statement he says with appropriate use of his own knowledge.
c. Ex. On pg. 743, MLK includes many historical figures and other examples to justify the difference between a just and unjust law.
II. Pathos (Emotion)
a. MLK uses pathos throughout his letter as he explains his logic and reasoning for the points he makes.
b. He uses descriptive wording, painting a picture in the minds of his readers, and putting us in the situation he speaks of.
c. Ex. On pg. 742, MLK talks about how painful it is seeing his daughter cry because he told her that the amusement park she wanted to go to was closed to blacks.
III. Ethos (Character)
a. MLK does an amazing job keeping his composure throughout the letter.
b. He expresses his position and view of a difficult situation being faced, while also including appropriate logic.
c. Ex. On pg. 751, MLK expresses how he has no fear or despair of the future even though he may currently be in jail. He also uses ethos in explain the character of the demonstrators on pg. 740.
IV. Diction
a. MLK uses well organized and descriptive wordings when describing something important/meaningful, whether he is using logos or pathos.
b. He uses aggressive diction, but very assertive, and slowly calms down into pathos maintaining his composure (ethos).
c. Ex. On pg. 753, MLK uses the phrases “the deep fog of misunderstanding”, “fear-drenched”, “radiant stars”, and “scintillating beauty” to explain how he hopes for good to come out of the bad occurring. He uses an extended metaphor that starts with deep fog and improves to scintillating beauty.
V. Syntax
a. Rhetorical Questioning: MLK anticipates the argument of the other person and shuts it up before the other person can find any invalidation of him and call him a hypocrite.
i. Ex. “Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, etc? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” (740).
b. Juxtaposition: MLK compares differences among society. In other words, what is our situation next to what would be considered less progressive.
i. Ex. On pg. 742, MLK compares Asia and Africa gaining political independence to how slow we are getting a cup of coffee.
c. Periodic Sentence: MLK arranged his punctuation (commas and semicolons) in a way that we will feel just what he felt saying the same thing. It also gives the last sentence the authority it deserves.
i. Ex. On pg. 742, MLK expresses pathos in an extended paragraph, and then finally ends with a pause, and a last statement. This demonstrates his exhaustion, and how important that last sentence is through our own mouths as we read the same paragraph ending in exhaustion, and giving the last sentence a great emphasis.
d. Inversion: MLK forces one to stop and think to consider a common belief from a new prospective. In other words, altering somebody’s expectations.
i. Ex. “One has not only a legal but moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws” (743).
e. Flushed Metaphor: MLK uses numerous metaphors to get his point across with much more emotion (pathos) than simply stating his opinion.
i. Ex. “from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity” (746).
f. Parallelism: MLK uses the same phrase in the beginning of a series of sentences to put emphasis on what the point is.
i. Ex. “We must” (746). “I don’t believe you would” & “old Negro women, and young Negro girls […] old Negro men, and young Negro boys” (751).
g. Cumulative Sentence: MLK uses more information in the beginning of his sentence to make his argument stronger, the opposite of a Periodic Sentence.
i. Ex. “I say it as a minister […] life shall be lengthened” (748).
I. Logos (Logic)
a. MLK uses careful reasoning and logic in support of every point he makes, especially when he is refuting a point made by the white clergymen.
b. He uses more than one example and supports each statement he says with appropriate use of his own knowledge.
c. Ex. On pg. 743, MLK includes many historical figures and other examples to justify the difference between a just and unjust law.
II. Pathos (Emotion)
a. MLK uses pathos throughout his letter as he explains his logic and reasoning for the points he makes.
b. He uses descriptive wording, painting a picture in the minds of his readers, and putting us in the situation he speaks of.
c. Ex. On pg. 742, MLK talks about how painful it is seeing his daughter cry because he told her that the amusement park she wanted to go to was closed to blacks.
III. Ethos (Character)
a. MLK does an amazing job keeping his composure throughout the letter.
b. He expresses his position and view of a difficult situation being faced, while also including appropriate logic.
c. Ex. On pg. 751, MLK expresses how he has no fear or despair of the future even though he may currently be in jail. He also uses ethos in explain the character of the demonstrators on pg. 740.
IV. Diction
a. MLK uses well organized and descriptive wordings when describing something important/meaningful, whether he is using logos or pathos.
b. He uses aggressive diction, but very assertive, and slowly calms down into pathos maintaining his composure (ethos).
c. Ex. On pg. 753, MLK uses the phrases “the deep fog of misunderstanding”, “fear-drenched”, “radiant stars”, and “scintillating beauty” to explain how he hopes for good to come out of the bad occurring. He uses an extended metaphor that starts with deep fog and improves to scintillating beauty.
V. Syntax
a. Rhetorical Questioning: MLK anticipates the argument of the other person and shuts it up before the other person can find any invalidation of him and call him a hypocrite.
i. Ex. “Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, etc? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” (740).
b. Juxtaposition: MLK compares differences among society. In other words, what is our situation next to what would be considered less progressive.
i. Ex. On pg. 742, MLK compares Asia and Africa gaining political independence to how slow we are getting a cup of coffee.
c. Periodic Sentence: MLK arranged his punctuation (commas and semicolons) in a way that we will feel just what he felt saying the same thing. It also gives the last sentence the authority it deserves.
i. Ex. On pg. 742, MLK expresses pathos in an extended paragraph, and then finally ends with a pause, and a last statement. This demonstrates his exhaustion, and how important that last sentence is through our own mouths as we read the same paragraph ending in exhaustion, and giving the last sentence a great emphasis.
d. Inversion: MLK forces one to stop and think to consider a common belief from a new prospective. In other words, altering somebody’s expectations.
i. Ex. “One has not only a legal but moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws” (743).
e. Flushed Metaphor: MLK uses numerous metaphors to get his point across with much more emotion (pathos) than simply stating his opinion.
i. Ex. “from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity” (746).
f. Parallelism: MLK uses the same phrase in the beginning of a series of sentences to put emphasis on what the point is.
i. Ex. “We must” (746). “I don’t believe you would” & “old Negro women, and young Negro girls […] old Negro men, and young Negro boys” (751).
g. Cumulative Sentence: MLK uses more information in the beginning of his sentence to make his argument stronger, the opposite of a Periodic Sentence.
i. Ex. “I say it as a minister […] life shall be lengthened” (748).
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fallacy Examples
Hasty Generalization: The white person next door told me I do not belong in America because I am brown. All white people are very ignorant.
Stereotype: There was a black boy sleeping in my English class. All black kids are lazy and unintelligent.
Cause and Effect: It was pouring rain outside. That is why I received a poor grade on my Math test!
Only Cause: We can stop under-aged drinking by putting the kids that violate this rule in juvenile detention for ten years.
False Analogy: Like a squirrel scavenging for nuts before a winter blizzard, Tom is busy doing his homework before class starts!
Attacking the Person: The new girl told us to be quiet or we would get detention. Nobody bothered listening to her because everybody knows she is the teacher’s pet.
Either-Or Fallacy: You are either going to kiss me right now or this relationship is officially over!
Non-Sequitur: Only half my room is pink. If the other half is not pink, then there is no point in sleeping in it.
Circular Reasoning: She is very pretty with a great figure. All the guys think she is really attractive. You should make her President of the Student Council.
Begging the Question: Everybody knows consuming drugs make you look cool.
Stereotype: There was a black boy sleeping in my English class. All black kids are lazy and unintelligent.
Cause and Effect: It was pouring rain outside. That is why I received a poor grade on my Math test!
Only Cause: We can stop under-aged drinking by putting the kids that violate this rule in juvenile detention for ten years.
False Analogy: Like a squirrel scavenging for nuts before a winter blizzard, Tom is busy doing his homework before class starts!
Attacking the Person: The new girl told us to be quiet or we would get detention. Nobody bothered listening to her because everybody knows she is the teacher’s pet.
Either-Or Fallacy: You are either going to kiss me right now or this relationship is officially over!
Non-Sequitur: Only half my room is pink. If the other half is not pink, then there is no point in sleeping in it.
Circular Reasoning: She is very pretty with a great figure. All the guys think she is really attractive. You should make her President of the Student Council.
Begging the Question: Everybody knows consuming drugs make you look cool.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
True & False Syllogisms
True Syllogisms:
1. Major Premise: Fruits are nutritious.
Minor Premise: Apples are fruits.
Conclusion: Apples are nutritious.
2. Major Premise: Flowers smell nice.
Minor Premise: A tulip is a flower.
Conclusion: Tulips smell nice.
3. Major Premise: Cars transport people.
Minor Premise: An Audi is a type of car.
Conclusion: An Audi transports people.
4. Major Premise: An instrument plays music.
Minor Premise: A piano is a type of instrument.
Conclusion: Pianos play music.
False Syllogisms:
1. Major Premise: Diamonds sparkle.
Minor Premise: My teeth are sparkling.
Conclusion: My teeth are diamonds.
False: My teeth are not made from diamonds.
2. Major Premise: Airplanes fly in the sky.
Minor Premise: Birds fly in the sky.
Conclusion: Birds are airplanes.
False: Birds are not machines that fly.
3. Major Premise: Blueberries are blue.
Minor Premise: The sky is blue.
Conclusion: The sky is a blueberry.
False: The sky is not a fruit.
4. Major Premise: The Eiffel Tower is tall.
Minor Premise: Shaq is tall.
Conclusion: Shaq is the Eiffel Tower.
False: Shaq is not a piece of architecture.
1. Major Premise: Fruits are nutritious.
Minor Premise: Apples are fruits.
Conclusion: Apples are nutritious.
2. Major Premise: Flowers smell nice.
Minor Premise: A tulip is a flower.
Conclusion: Tulips smell nice.
3. Major Premise: Cars transport people.
Minor Premise: An Audi is a type of car.
Conclusion: An Audi transports people.
4. Major Premise: An instrument plays music.
Minor Premise: A piano is a type of instrument.
Conclusion: Pianos play music.
False Syllogisms:
1. Major Premise: Diamonds sparkle.
Minor Premise: My teeth are sparkling.
Conclusion: My teeth are diamonds.
False: My teeth are not made from diamonds.
2. Major Premise: Airplanes fly in the sky.
Minor Premise: Birds fly in the sky.
Conclusion: Birds are airplanes.
False: Birds are not machines that fly.
3. Major Premise: Blueberries are blue.
Minor Premise: The sky is blue.
Conclusion: The sky is a blueberry.
False: The sky is not a fruit.
4. Major Premise: The Eiffel Tower is tall.
Minor Premise: Shaq is tall.
Conclusion: Shaq is the Eiffel Tower.
False: Shaq is not a piece of architecture.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
P&P Marriage Proposal
Marry Me
As we walk, side by side, on this beautiful summer evening, I cannot help but thank my lucky stars to be alone in your presence. Just as the planets orb around the Sun, your beauty orbs around my mind. Your gentle, soft skin brings warmth into my heart, and the gentle touch of your lips against mine distills all tension from my body. It has been over two years since our eyes first met. Our relationship has blossomed into a precious rose that refuses to wither away. The vitality of this rose continues to strengthen. Over the years, we have formed an everlasting friendship; a friendship that requires love, affection, and maturity.
My beloved, I will hold your delicate hands in mine away from anything that may do you harm. You are what I have grown to live for. My hard work is for the benefit of our future, my love. I would do anything for your happiness. The way you look at me with such care and generosity lightens up my world. The years we have spent together have been the utmost of importance to me. You have taught me the true meaning of love, and the true meaning of life. I would be lost without you, my dear. Your soothing voice calms me from head to toe. You have changed the way I feel, think, and view the entities around me. You have opened my eyes to a brighter world. I will open your eyes into my heart. I promise you that I will take care of your tender soul. I will bring you the happiness that you have so longed deserved.
Now listen, my sweet blossom, I have thought well on this decision. There was neither haste nor regret in going through with what I am about to say to you. You have showed nothing but love to me, and as for myself, I have passionately fallen in love with you, and I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with you. After the years we have spent together, I hope this feeling has grown mutual between the two of us. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?
As we walk, side by side, on this beautiful summer evening, I cannot help but thank my lucky stars to be alone in your presence. Just as the planets orb around the Sun, your beauty orbs around my mind. Your gentle, soft skin brings warmth into my heart, and the gentle touch of your lips against mine distills all tension from my body. It has been over two years since our eyes first met. Our relationship has blossomed into a precious rose that refuses to wither away. The vitality of this rose continues to strengthen. Over the years, we have formed an everlasting friendship; a friendship that requires love, affection, and maturity.
My beloved, I will hold your delicate hands in mine away from anything that may do you harm. You are what I have grown to live for. My hard work is for the benefit of our future, my love. I would do anything for your happiness. The way you look at me with such care and generosity lightens up my world. The years we have spent together have been the utmost of importance to me. You have taught me the true meaning of love, and the true meaning of life. I would be lost without you, my dear. Your soothing voice calms me from head to toe. You have changed the way I feel, think, and view the entities around me. You have opened my eyes to a brighter world. I will open your eyes into my heart. I promise you that I will take care of your tender soul. I will bring you the happiness that you have so longed deserved.
Now listen, my sweet blossom, I have thought well on this decision. There was neither haste nor regret in going through with what I am about to say to you. You have showed nothing but love to me, and as for myself, I have passionately fallen in love with you, and I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with you. After the years we have spent together, I hope this feeling has grown mutual between the two of us. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?
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