Post 1: You Learned The Definition Of The American Dream
Post 1 You Learned The Definition Of The American Dream In This Week
Post 1 : You learned the definition of the American Dream in this week’s lecture. You also learned about the American identity. Traits often associated with the American identity include boldness, confidence, perseverance, and integrity. These traits are often demonstrated through a character’s words or actions. This week, we’ll focus on boldness.
How is boldness reflected in the characters of Rebecca Harding Davis’s story? Choose two characters from "Life in the Iron Mills" and explain how boldness applies to them in the story. Criteria: 300 words minimum (excluding quotations and citations) Include two properly integrated and cited direct quotations (one related to each character) to support your claims. See the Literary Analysis Tools Module from this week's activities for information about integrating and citing direct quotations.
Paper For Above instruction
Rebecca Harding Davis’s “Life in the Iron Mills” vividly illustrates the trait of boldness through its characters, notably Hugh Wolfe and Deborah. Both characters exhibit different forms of boldness rooted in resilience and moral conviction, reflecting their struggles against social constraints and their innate desire for dignity and justice.
Hugh Wolfe exemplifies boldness through his unapologetic confrontation of societal norms and his attempt to reveal the harsh realities of his life. Despite the oppressive environment of the iron mills, Hugh demonstrates a fearless attitude towards the brutal labor conditions and the exploitation faced by workers like himself. His boldness is evident when he shows a sense of defiance and pride in his identity as an iron worker, asserting his dignity amidst degradation. Davis describes Hugh’s confrontational spirit when he says, “He was a bold, reckless fellow” (Davis, 1861), which underscores his fearless attitude towards authority and societal expectations. Hugh's audacity to dream of a different life and his willingness to question the social order embody the spirit of boldness associated with the American identity, emphasizing perseverance and confidence in the face of adversity.
Deborah, on the other hand, displays her boldness through her moral strength and compassion. She is unafraid to challenge the prejudices and apathy of her community by sympathizing with Hugh’s tragic situation and recognizing his true worth beyond social class. Her moral courage is encapsulated when she exclaims, “It is a shame to hide such a noble face in such a foul place,” (Davis, 1861), illustrating her fearless acknowledgment of Hugh’s dignity and her desire to see justice done. Deborah’s boldness lies in her refusal to accept the degrading conditions of her environment and her willingness to stand up for what is morally right, embodying the American trait of integrity and perseverance.
In conclusion, both Hugh Wolfe and Deborah exemplify boldness through their actions and attitudes—Hugh in his fearless confrontation of societal pressures, and Deborah in her moral courage. Their characters demonstrate that boldness is crucial in confronting societal injustice and striving for one’s dignity, aligning with the broader ideals associated with the American identity. Davis’s portrayal of these characters highlights that boldness can manifest in different ways, but it ultimately serves as a powerful force for resilience and moral rectitude.
References
Davis, R. H. (1861). Life in the Iron Mills. Harper & Brothers.