Jane Austen's novels Pride and prejudice and Persuasion both illustrate the challenges of being a woman in the 1900s. The need to find security, obtain wealth, status and marriage becomes necessary for survival and fulfillment. Unfortunatly, Austen shows that the pressure created by these challenges leads some women to be greedy and deceitful. However, in the end the women who avoid these temptations and follow their hearts with dignity and integrity are the ones rewarded by true love and fulfillment, at least in Austen's world.
this is the thesis and intro to my literary essay for my novel study ISU, i need some ideas and advice for the main paragraphs after that will ephasize my paper, also need critical quotes and examples from both book that's best for this.
You wrote an introduction and thesis for a paper you haven't done the prewriting for yet? That's backwards.
Here's an idea -- and make sure you have read both books before you try this:
Make two lists (could even be on two pages); call one "negative women" and the other "positive women."
On the "negative women" list, name the characters from the two books that fit the category and jot down some of their actions/reactions that put them in this category ("greedy and deceitful") plus any other characteristics you can think of. Any of their actions, words, and thoughts should include the page number of the book in which you find those.
On the "positive women" list, do the same, but for those who "avoid these temptations and follow their hearts..."
Only when you've done a really thorough job of exploring the characters can you decide how you will focus your paper. You should probably focus on only two "negative" and two "positive" women -- one of each from each book. Once you've done thorough brainstorming, you'll be able to figure out which four characters are the best to use as your examples.
While you're doing this brainstorming, you may think of additional ideas or ways to tweak your original thesis. Don't be afraid to rephrase and/or streamline your thesis. You may find that you end up revising the entire introduction (to a paper that isn't written yet!) -- even scrapping it and starting over. If so, that's fine.
But if you skip steps in the writing process, you'll end up with problems like what you have right now -- a vague general idea and no clue how to develop and support it.
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/brainstorming.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Go into Essay & Research Paper Level to see all the different aspects of writing a good paper.
already read the books, and prewriting?
i've got ideas to support already, i just looking for suggestions and ideas people think might maximize my point
For your literary essay on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, focusing on the challenges faced by women in the 19th century and their struggle for security, wealth, status, and marriage, as well as the consequences of succumbing to the pressure, and the ultimate reward for those who choose dignity and integrity, here are some ideas and advice for your main paragraphs:
1. Social Expectations and Constraints: Explore how societal norms and expectations during the 19th century placed significant emphasis on the roles and behaviors of women, such as the importance of marrying well and conforming to societal standards. Discuss specific examples from both novels that highlight the challenges faced by the female characters in meeting these expectations.
Example quote from Pride and Prejudice: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" - This quote represents the societal pressure for women to find a financially secure husband, which forms a central theme in the novel.
2. Greed and Deceit: Analyze how some female characters in both novels resort to greed and deceit in their pursuit of security and wealth. Discuss the motivations behind their actions and the consequences they face as a result.
Example quote from Persuasion: "Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride - where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation." - This quote reflects the character of Sir Walter Elliot in Persuasion, who is obsessed with status and wealth, leading him to make deceitful decisions that have negative consequences for both himself and his family.
3. Integrity and Dignity: Highlight the female characters who prioritize their integrity and dignity over societal pressures, choosing to follow their hearts and remain true to their values. Discuss how these characters are rewarded in the end, both in terms of personal fulfillment and finding true love.
Example quote from Pride and Prejudice: "I could easily forgive his pride if he had not mortified mine." - This quote reflects the growth and transformation of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, as he learns from his own mistakes and realizes the importance of humility and genuine love.
4. Conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and reiterate how Austen's novels portray the challenges faced by women in the 19th century and the consequences of succumbing to societal pressure. Emphasize the importance of integrity, dignity, and following one's heart as the path to true fulfillment and love.
Remember to support your analysis with specific examples and quotes from both novels throughout your essay to provide evidence for your arguments. Good luck with your literary essay!