"Question from class, reflecting on the past." ~Jake Parsons 2016

Jake Parsons

English III

Mrs. Parkinson

15 March 2016

Keeping It Real

To summarize my question, it basically asks whether people are better off dreaming big or shooting for more realistic goals. While the question may not sound too difficult, the answer is more complex than you think.

You see it’s not an either-or scenario. Instead, it is actually a combination of the two. People who have great aspirations tend to be more motivated individuals, as we see with George and Lennie on page 15, “When we get that coupla acres I can let you tend the rabbits all right.”(Steinbeck 15). This “American Dream” that Lennie has is the driving force behind most of his actions and allows him to endure.

However, this may not lead to overall happiness. With such a lofty goal, George and Lennie may never achieve what they want, leading to an unsatisfying life.  By adding smaller, more achievable steps towards an overarching goal, you can be motivated by while still maintaining a sense of accomplishment. This prevents losing hope like many of the ranch hands in Of Mice and Men, while not becoming overly fixated. It’s Lennie’s mouse like thinking and George’s human rationale that combine to form a perfect balance of achievement and happiness.

Harlem Renaissance Soul Searchy Assingment

Jake Parsons

English IIIB

Mrs. Parkinson

7 March 2016

Jake Parsons

English IIIB

Mrs. Parkinson

7 March 2016

Nature

Countee Cullen’s poem, Tableau, gives the audience insight into the conflict between human nature, and the precedents set in place by society. I know this sounds a like a drastic leap, but hear me out. In this poem, two children of different races are walking together down the street. They are unaware of the racist society of the 1920’s and therefore are acting on instincts to befriend each other. However, those already shaped by society think differently. “And here the fair folk talk, Indignant that these two should dare in unison to walk.” (Cullen 6-8). We see this conflict between nature and nurture in the children, who unknowingly, challenged the beliefs of the adults. They “should blaze the path of thunder.”(Cullen 11-12). This teaches us that society isn't inherently right, and that sometimes we must challenge it to make history. Hence the name, Tableau. A captured moment of history.