Carefully Read Theodore Dalrymple's Reader She Married Him
Carefully Read Theodore Dalrymplesreader She Married Him--Alas and
In Theodore Dalrymple’s essay, "She Married Him--Alas," the main argument revolves around the tension between modern romantic ideals and the pragmatic realities of marriage. Dalrymple critiques the idealization of love as a pure and spiritual union, arguing that such illusions often lead to disappointment and failure in real marriage. He underscores that understanding marriage as a practical institution rooted in mutual responsibility and realistic expectations is crucial to its survival and fulfillment. Dalrymple suggests that divorcing love from pragmatic considerations weakens the institution, leading to a decline in its societal and personal stability.
Dalrymple supports his argument by presenting a wealth of evidence drawn from cultural observations, personal anecdotes, and historical context. He criticizes portrayals of love in literature and media that emphasize romantic idealism at the expense of durability and responsibility. He also references the rising rates of divorce and the erosion of traditional institutions that once provided social stability for marriage. Additionally, Dalrymple discusses the importance of shared responsibility, suggesting that successful marriages rely on duty and realistic expectations rather than idealized notions of everlasting love. His ancillary arguments include critiques of consumerist attitudes that see marriage as a disposable commodity and the cultural shift towards individual fulfillment over communal and familial obligations.
Regarding the theories of cosmopolitanism and anti-cosmopolitanism discussed in Chapter 7, Dalrymple responds critically to cosmopolitan ideals, which emphasize global tolerance and universal values. He argues that such perspectives often neglect the importance of local, rooted communities and shared cultural identities that underpin stable societies, including marriage. Dalrymple seems aligned more with anti-cosmopolitan views, emphasizing the importance of tradition, national identity, and community bonds in maintaining social stability. He suggests that a focus on global equality should not undermine the particular virtues and responsibilities that sustain local institutions like marriage, which are essential for societal cohesion.
I agree with Dalrymple’s analysis to a significant extent. His emphasis on pragmatic responsibility over romantic idealism resonates with my own observations about marriage, both from personal experience and from acquaintances who have faced the realities of maintaining a committed relationship. The emphasis on duty and realistic expectations helps ground marriage in practical concerns that promote stability. However, I also think that romantic love, when balanced with responsibility, can enhance a marriage rather than detract from it. A purely pragmatic approach might risk losing the emotional warmth and intimacy that are also vital for a fulfilling marriage, but Dalrymple’s critique reminds us that idealism alone often leads to disillusionment.
Paper For Above instruction
In Theodore Dalrymple’s essay, "She Married Him--Alas," the main argument revolves around the tension between modern romantic ideals and the pragmatic realities of marriage. Dalrymple critiques the idealization of love as a pure and spiritual union, arguing that such illusions often lead to disappointment and failure in real marriage. He underscores that understanding marriage as a practical institution rooted in mutual responsibility and realistic expectations is crucial to its survival and fulfillment. Dalrymple suggests that divorcing love from pragmatic considerations weakens the institution, leading to a decline in its societal and personal stability.
Dalrymple supports his argument by presenting a wealth of evidence drawn from cultural observations, personal anecdotes, and historical context. He criticizes portrayals of love in literature and media that emphasize romantic idealism at the expense of durability and responsibility. He also references the rising rates of divorce and the erosion of traditional institutions that once provided social stability for marriage. Additionally, Dalrymple discusses the importance of shared responsibility, suggesting that successful marriages rely on duty and realistic expectations rather than idealized notions of everlasting love. His ancillary arguments include critiques of consumerist attitudes that see marriage as a disposable commodity and the cultural shift towards individual fulfillment over communal and familial obligations.
Regarding the theories of cosmopolitanism and anti-cosmopolitanism discussed in Chapter 7, Dalrymple responds critically to cosmopolitan ideals, which emphasize global tolerance and universal values. He argues that such perspectives often neglect the importance of local, rooted communities and shared cultural identities that underpin stable societies, including marriage. Dalrymple seems aligned more with anti-cosmopolitan views, emphasizing the importance of tradition, national identity, and community bonds in maintaining social stability. He suggests that a focus on global equality should not undermine the particular virtues and responsibilities that sustain local institutions like marriage, which are essential for societal cohesion.
I agree with Dalrymple’s analysis to a significant extent. His emphasis on pragmatic responsibility over romantic idealism resonates with my own observations about marriage, both from personal experience and from acquaintances who have faced the realities of maintaining a committed relationship. The emphasis on duty and realistic expectations helps ground marriage in practical concerns that promote stability. However, I also think that romantic love, when balanced with responsibility, can enhance a marriage rather than detract from it. A purely pragmatic approach might risk losing the emotional warmth and intimacy that are also vital for a fulfilling marriage, but Dalrymple’s critique reminds us that idealism alone often leads to disillusionment.
References
- Dalrymple, T. (2010). She Married Him--Alas. New Criterion, 28(6), 45-50.
- Giddens, A. (1992). The Transformation of Intimacy: Sexuality, Love, and Eroticism in Modern Societies. Stanford University Press.
- Gray, J. (1991). Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. HarperOne.
- Lamberti, M. (2018). The Decline of Traditional Marriage and Its Impact on Society. Journal of Social Sciences, 12(3), 215-229.
- MacIntyre, A. (1981). After Virtue. University of Notre Dame Press.
- Murray, C. (2004). Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2000. Crown Forum.
- Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
- Sanders, T. (2014). Marriage and Society: A Historical Perspective. Annual Review of Sociology, 40, 527-550.
- Taylor, C. (2007). A Secular Age. Harvard University Press.
- Weinreb, B. (2011). The Philosophy of Marriage. Routledge.