Assignment: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Essay:
Questioning the ideas decisions and actions of people in positions of authority deems itself necessary. One example that supports this idea can be seen in the novel, "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury, where the main character Guy Montague decides to question the government and its actions because they went against his beliefs. Another solid example that illustrates this idea could be seen in the novel "1984" by George Orwell, where the main character goes against the beliefs of Big Brother, in order to stand up for what it right.
One main example that sheds light on this fact that it is necessary to challenge what people with authority claim to be true is in the novel "Fahrenheit 451", by Ray Bradbury. The main character Guy Montague, does not support the idea of the government, which is to burn all books, so no ideas of any sort remain preserved. He relentlessly shows his hatred towards this idea, by standing up for what he believes and knows is correct. It is necessary for people to voice their concerns so that the government can rectify the mistakes that it is making, which is exactly what Montague was advocating. The idea that the government puts forth of burning books is morally wrong and Montague acknowledges that and steps forth against the government. It was necessary for Montague to question the people with higher authority, especially when they are blatantly obvious that they are wrong. Few people are able to muster up the courage to do that, but it is extremely necessary to make higher authority realize what they are doing is incorrect.
Another example that illustrates the idea that, yes, people should indeed question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority was in the novel "1984" by George Orwell. In this novel, the government, called Big Brother, is an questionable authority that refuses to allow people to have their own say, and even their own thoughts. The government monitors each individual is societies every move, but yet the main characters Winston and his girlfriend, Julia, stand up to the government of Big Brother and fight against it. They despise the fact that they are being controlled in every aspect and cannot have a mind of their own without any outsider (Big Brother), knowing everything. The revolt that Winston and Julia have questions and attempts to undermine the authority of Big Brother, something, that was extremely necessary in that supposedly "utopian" society. Winston and Julia wanted to get the message across to Big Brother that whatever the government was doing was wrong and the revolting and questioning their authority they wanted to prove the Big Brother was at fault, Big Brother's attempt to make the perfect society, a "utopia", was not being done correctly which is the why the characters had to speak and act out against Big Brother, higher authority. Unfortunately, very few people are able to take a stance and question the doings of higher authority, but these actions are deemed necessary, in order to make sure that people's thought and say gets heard.
In the novel "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury, and novel "1984", by George Orwell, both examples are able to strong support the idea that it is vital to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority to make sure that the government is acting correctly.
Okay thanks for feedback. Should I have given, I guess, real life examples of issues today? Also, what other sort of higher authority should I have written about? Something less than government, like maybe the school's principal, or boss at work? Thanks.
Introduction:
Questioning the ideas, decisions, and actions of people in positions of authority is an important aspect of maintaining a functioning society. By challenging authority, individuals are able to ensure that those in power act in the best interest of the people and adhere to ethical standards. This essay will provide examples from the novels "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury and "1984" by George Orwell to support the need to question authority.
Body Paragraph 1:
In "Fahrenheit 451," Guy Montag questions the government's decision to burn all books. He realizes that this act goes against his personal beliefs and believes that it is essential to speak out against the government. Montag recognizes the moral implications of destroying knowledge and actively advocates for change. By questioning the ideas and actions of those in authority, Montag helps bring attention to the government's misguided actions and encourages them to rectify their mistakes. This example highlights the necessity for individuals to voice their concerns when they believe those in power are acting incorrectly.
Body Paragraph 2:
Similarly, in "1984," the protagonist Winston and his girlfriend Julia rebel against the authoritarian government known as Big Brother. They challenge the oppressive control exerted by Big Brother, which monitors every aspect of people's lives, including their thoughts. Winston and Julia believe that it is necessary to question and undermine the authority of Big Brother in order to preserve their individuality and basic human rights. By rising against the government, they strive to expose the flaws in the supposed utopian society created by Big Brother. This example emphasizes the importance of questioning authority in order to safeguard personal liberties.
Conclusion:
The examples from "Fahrenheit 451" and "1984" demonstrate the significance of questioning the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority. In both novels, the protagonists recognize the immorality and faults of the government and take a stand against them. By challenging authority, individuals can ensure that those in power are acting in the best interest of the people and adhering to ethical principles. Thus, it is crucial for individuals to question authority to promote positive change and maintain a just society.
To support the point of view that it is important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority, you can use examples from literature, such as the novels "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury and "1984" by George Orwell. These examples demonstrate characters who challenge the authority and decisions of their respective governments because they believed they were wrong.
In "Fahrenheit 451," the main character, Guy Montag, questions the government's decision to burn books. He strongly opposes this action because he believes it goes against his own beliefs and values. Montag voices his concerns and stands up for what he feels is morally correct. By questioning the higher authority and their actions, Montag hopes to make them realize the mistake they are making. This example shows that it is necessary for individuals to challenge those in authority when they are clearly in the wrong.
Similarly, in "1984," the government known as Big Brother suppresses individual thoughts and monitors every aspect of society. The main characters, Winston and Julia, rebel against this oppressive authority because they believe in having personal freedom and the ability to think for themselves. They strive to prove that Big Brother's attempt at creating a utopian society is flawed and their actions showcase the necessity to speak out and question authority. Through their rebellion, Winston and Julia hope to make it known that the government's actions are wrong.
These examples from literature demonstrate that questioning the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority is necessary to ensure that the government acts in a just and moral manner. By challenging authority, individuals can bring attention to the mistakes being made and advocate for positive change. While it may require courage and determination, it is vital for individuals to question authority to ensure a fair and just society.