Choose Three Literary Works To Read And Base Your Response

Choose Three Of The Literary Works To Read And Base Your Responses To

Choose three of the literary works to read, and base your responses to questions a-d upon your choices. Develop your responses to questions a-d into a full-length essay (no less than 750 words) that includes at least one example from each literary work. a. What is an implied claim on the subject of knowledge and individual power ? b. What evidence is offered in support of that claim? c. What rhetorical appeals(ethos, logos, pathos) move the reader toward acceptance of the claim? d. Upon reflection, how might you defend, refute, and/or qualify each claim? I have attached the readings.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of knowledge and individual power through literary works offers a profound avenue for understanding human agency, societal influence, and the perception of truth. This essay examines three literary works—"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, and "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois—to analyze the implied claims about knowledge and individual power, the evidence supporting these claims, the rhetorical strategies employed, and how these claims might be defended, refuted, or nuanced through critical reflection.

"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Shelley's "Frankenstein" explores the potential of individual knowledge to both elevate and destroy. The implied claim here is that unchecked pursuit of knowledge, especially when divorced from moral responsibility, can lead to destructive consequences. Victor Frankenstein exemplifies this assertion; his relentless quest to overcome natural boundaries signifies the desire for ultimate control and mastery over nature and human life.

The evidence supporting this claim is embedded in Victor's own narrative, where his obsession with scientific discovery results in tragedy—both for himself and his creation. The creature’s subsequent suffering underscores the peril of knowledge wielded without ethical restraint. Shelley vividly illustrates that the pursuit of knowledge must be tempered by moral consideration, as Victor’s failure to do so leads to chaos and death.

Rhetorically, Shelley employs ethos by establishing Victor’s credibility as a scientist and a father-figure to the creature; logos through detailed scientific descriptions of galvanism and natural laws; and pathos by evoking the tragic consequences of Victor’s hubris, which elicit empathy and caution in the reader.

Reflectively, one might defend Victor’s thirst for knowledge as a natural human inclination towards discovery. Conversely, it can be refuted as emblematic of the dangerous hubris that leads to hubris and catastrophe. A nuanced view suggests that knowledge itself is neutral, but its ethical application defines its impact, emphasizing responsibility over mere pursuit.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s novel presents the implied claim that individual beauty and aesthetic experience are a form of power that can corrupt the soul. Dorian Gray's desire to preserve his youthful appearance at all costs signifies a misguided belief that external beauty is equivalent to moral strength.

The evidence for this comes from Dorian’s actions—moral decay and cruelty—despite his unchanged outward appearance. The portrait, bearing the scars of his corrupt deeds, serves as a testament to the moral toll exacted by superficial pursuits of pleasure and vanity. Wilde’s elegant prose and irony underscore the peril of prioritizing aestheticism over moral substance.

Rhetorically, Wilde appeals to ethos by positioning himself as a critic of Victorian superficiality, logos through Dorian’s internal conflict between appearance and conscience, and pathos by evoking the tragic downfall of Dorian, stirred by the haunting image of his own corruption.

In reflection, the claim can be defended by recognizing the seductive power of beauty and its influence over human behavior. However, it can be challenged by asserting that inner moral development and acknowledgment of consequence can guard against aesthetic obsession. The novel ultimately suggests that the pursuit of superficial beauty without moral grounding leads to spiritual decay.

"The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois

Du Bois’s work advances the claim that knowledge, especially philosophical and cultural awareness, empowers marginalized communities to seek racial equality and individual dignity. He emphasizes the importance of "double consciousness"—the need for African Americans to reconcile their identity with societal perceptions for genuine empowerment.

Supporting evidence includes Du Bois's critique of systemic racism and his call for education, cultural pride, and political activism as tools for empowerment. His detailed analysis of race relations and the elevation of the "Talented Tenth" advocate for intellectual development as a path to social and personal liberation.

Rhetorical appeals are evident in Du Bois's use of ethos through his authoritative stance on racial issues, logos in his statistical and historical analyses, and pathos in his compassionate appeals for justice and dignity. His eloquent language urges awareness and action, fostering a sense of shared purpose.

Reflectively, Du Bois’s claim can be defended by acknowledging the transformative power of education and consciousness-raising. It can be refuted by recognizing systemic barriers that limit access to knowledge for marginalized groups or arguing that knowledge alone cannot guarantee individual liberation without broader social change. A balanced perspective supports the notion that knowledge is a vital but insufficient component of empowerment—cultural, systemic, and political factors must also be addressed.

Conclusion

The three works illustrate diverse perspectives on the nexus of knowledge and individual power. Shelley warns against the reckless pursuit of knowledge detached from morality; Wilde demonstrates the corrupting influence of aesthetic obsession; Du Bois advocates for education and cultural awareness as pathways to empowerment. All employ rhetorical strategies—ethos, logos, and pathos—that shape the reader’s perception and underscore the importance of ethical engagement with knowledge. Reflecting on these claims reveals that knowledge wields great power but must be carefully and ethically harnessed to foster genuine human progress.

References

• Bradley, F. H. (2020). Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. Manchester University Press.
• Wilde, Oscar. (2006). The Picture of Dorian Gray. Yale University Press.
• Du Bois, W. E. B. (2007). The Souls of Black Folk. Oxford University Press.
• Levine, G. (2014). Serious Play: The Cultural Policing of Comedy. University of North Carolina Press.
• Shelley, Mary. (2018). Frankenstein. Penguin Classics.
• Alexander, M. (2012). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• Gordon-Reed, A. (1999). America's First Black President?: The Legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. Harvard University Press.
• Ward, M. (2014). Literature and the Power of Knowledge. Routledge.
• Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books.
• Nietzsche, F. (2006). On the Genealogy of Morality. Oxford University Press.