You Learned The Definition Of The American Dream In W 663991

You Learned The Definition Of The American Dream In Week 1 And You Al

Choose one character from a work of fiction ("The Soft-Hearted Sioux," "Pawn Shop," or The Invisible Man) and one person from a work of non-fiction ("Speech to the Osages," Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, or "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"). Describe how perseverance is reflected in each, including two properly integrated and cited quotations (one for each character), to support your claims. The response should be a minimum of 300 words, excluding quotations and citations.

Paper For Above instruction

Perseverance is a defining trait that highlights resilience and unwavering determination in the face of adversity, embodying the resilient spirit prevalent in American identity. Analyzing its reflection in both fiction and non-fiction enhances our understanding of how perseverance shapes individual character and societal change. This essay examines one fictional character from The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and one historical figure from Frederick Douglass’s "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?", illustrating how perseverance manifests through their words and actions.

Perseverance in The Invisible Man

In Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man, the protagonist exhibits perseverance through his continued struggle for identity and recognition despite societal rejection and invisibility. Early in the novel, the narrator faces racial discrimination and dehumanization, yet he persists in seeking self-assertion. Ellison emphasizes this resilience when the narrator reflects, “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me” (Ellison, 1952). This quote encapsulates the narrator’s perseverance—a refusal to accept societal invisibility as a defeat but rather as a challenge to break through social barriers. His persistence in seeking acknowledgment and equality despite systemic prejudice reflects the resilience characteristic of American ideals of perseverance.

Perseverance in Frederick Douglass’s "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

Frederick Douglass exhibits perseverance through his unwavering fight for freedom and human rights as a former slave. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Douglass persistently advocates for abolition and racial equality. He famously states, "The soul that is within me no man can degrade" (Douglass, 1852). This powerful declaration exemplifies his relentless spirit and unwavering resolve to challenge slavery and injustice. Douglass’s perseverance is evident in his persistent efforts to educate himself, speak out against oppression, and inspire others to pursue liberty, embodying the resilience and determination foundational to the American quest for equality.

Conclusion

Both the fictional character in The Invisible Man and Frederick Douglass exemplify perseverance through their resilience amidst adversity. Their stories illustrate that perseverance is central to overcoming societal constraints and striving for self-identity and freedom. These narratives demonstrate that perseverance is an essential trait that fuels progress and embodies core elements of the American identity.

References

• Douglass, F. (1852). What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?. Delivered at Rochester, New York.
• Ellison, R. (1952). The Invisible Man. Random House.