Eng125 Introduction To Literature List Of Writing Prompts

Eng125 Introduction To Literaturelist Of Writing Prompts1 Characters

Write about a literary work in which a character’s motivations/desire conflict with his/her ethical Responsibilities. Analyze the moral dilemma the character experiences and how he/she wrestles with this dilemma beyond what is obvious in the plot. Focus on literary elements that highlight this conflict.

Choose one of the following works:

• “A Good Man is Hard to Find” (O’Connor, 1953)
• “The Blue Hotel” (Crane, 1898)
• “The Things They Carried” (O’Brien, 2004)
• “Greasy Lake” (Boyle, 1985)
• Macbeth (Shakespeare, 1606)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The conflict between personal motivations and ethical responsibilities is a common theme in literature, often revealing the complexity of human nature and moral reasoning. One compelling example is Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” which explores a character’s internal moral struggle against external threats. The story’s protagonist, the grandmother, embodies conflicting desires: her yearning for social status and her nostalgic notions of morality clash with her eventual realization of genuine goodness. Throughout the narrative, literary elements such as ironic tone, dialogue, and symbolism emphasize her moral dilemma.

The grandmother’s motivations are largely driven by superficial social values, as she insists on presenting herself as a lady and clinging to her old-fashioned beliefs. Her desire for dignity and respect often conflicts with her true moral nature, especially when she manipulates her family’s plans for her personal convenience. For instance, she preoccupies herself with appearances, attempting to preserve her social status even as her actions unknowingly lead her into danger. This internal desire to uphold her self-image conflicts deeply with her overriding moral obligation to protect her family.

The external conflict arises when the family encounters the Misfit, a criminal on the run, symbolizing the threat of moral chaos. The grandmother’s internal conflict becomes evident during her interactions with the Misfit, as she struggles to reconcile her superficial morality with the reality of evil. Her pleas for mercy are juxtaposed against her superficial judgments, creating an irony that highlights her internal moral crisis. Literary elements such as vivid imagery, tone shifts, and irony underscore her moral awakening, although it ultimately arrives too late to alter her fate.

One key literary device that draws out this moral conflict is irony. The story’s title itself suggests a challenging moral landscape—appearing to question whether goodness is truly attainable. The grandmother’s final act of self-sacrifice, which appears to be genuine, contrasts sharply with her earlier selfish actions, illustrating her internal struggle with morality. Her realization that “she was a good woman at heart” signifies her internal moral awakening, yet it is marred by her prior superficial virtues.

Moreover, symbolism plays a significant role. The grandmother’s hat, her dress, and the settings reflect her superficial moral standards, which are challenged by the brutal reality she faces. The landscape becomes a symbol of moral wasteland, emphasizing the story’s bleak commentary on moral superficiality and the human capacity for evil. These literary elements collectively depict her moral dilemma—oscillating between superficial social morality and authentic goodness—highlighting how internal conflicts reveal the nuanced moral fabric of human beings.

In conclusion, “A Good Man is Hard to Find” vividly illustrates how characters’ motivations and ethical responsibilities often conflict, revealing profound moral dilemmas. Through ironic tone, symbolism, and detailed characterization, O’Connor explores the complex nature of morality. This conflict not only advances the plot but also invites readers to reflect on the nature of goodness and evil, emphasizing that moral clarity often involves confronting uncomfortable truths about oneself.

References

• O’Connor, Flannery. (1953). “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”
• Crane, Stephen. (1898). “The Blue Hotel.”
• O’Brien, Tim. (2004). “The Things They Carried.”
• Boyle, T.C. (1985). “Greasy Lake.”
• Shakespeare, William. (1606). Macbeth.
• Barthes, Roland. (1977). Image, Music, Text. Hill and Wang.
• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. (1925). The Great Gatsby.
• Beauvoir, Simone de. (1949). The Second Sex.
• Goldman, Alvin. (2010). Moral Dilemmas in Literature. Journal of Ethical Studies.
• Bloom, Harold. (1982). The Western Canon. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.