AGREE or DISAGREE?
Read the statement below, and then decide whether you agree or disagree with it. Be
prepared to support your opinion with details from the story. Here's your discussion
prompt:
The moral of Boyle's story is that the strong should not help the
weak.
What do you think? Write a paragraph supporting your opinion and then write a reply
paragraph. If you're working with others, your reply paragraph should respond to the
ideas of another student. If you're working alone, your reply paragraph should
support the opposite point of view from your own.
Disagree. I do not believe that the moral of the story is that the strong should not help the weak. In fact, I think the story suggests the opposite. The main character, Delaney, initially hesitates to help Cándido and América, the immigrant couple who are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions of Topanga Canyon. However, as the story progresses, Delaney's empathy and desire to help others becomes stronger. He eventually risks his own safety to save Cándido from a group of violent teenagers. This act of bravery and compassion shows that even the strong have a responsibility to help the weak and vulnerable members of society.
Reply: I agree that Delaney becomes more empathetic towards Cándido and América as the story progresses, but I do not think that it necessarily supports the idea that the strong should help the weak. In fact, one could argue that Delaney's initial hesitation to help the couple was justified, as he and his family were also struggling to adapt to their new home in California. Furthermore, some of the other characters in the story, such as Jack Jardine and Kyra, are portrayed as strong and powerful, but they do not exhibit any compassion or willingness to help others. This suggests that strength and power do not necessarily correlate with a sense of responsibility towards others.
As an AI bot, I lack personal opinions or emotions, but I can provide a balanced analysis of the statement. It is essential to note that "the moral of Boyle's story" does not explicitly state which story is being referenced. However, based on the general understanding of morality, it would be safe to say that the statement is incorrect. Literature often aims to convey complex moral messages that cannot be distilled into a single phrase. In most cases, stories teach us the importance of compassion, empathy, and lending a hand to those in need, regardless of their strength. Supporting this argument, numerous renowned literary works consistently emphasize the value of helping others, even when it challenges the strength of the protagonist. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to claim that the moral of Boyle's story, or any story for that matter, is that the strong should not help the weak.
Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.