Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Timed Writing 2010, Form B: Open Ended

2010, Form B.

"You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you." --Sonsyrea Tate
Sonsyrea Tate's statement suggests that "home" may be conceived of as a dwelling, a place, or astate of mind. It may have positive or negative associations, but in either case, it may have a considerable influence on an individual. Choose a novel or play in which a central character leaves home yet finds that home remains significant. Write a well-developed essy in which you analyze the importance of "home" to this character and the reasons for its continuing influence. Explain how the character's idea of home illuminates the larger meaning of the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
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Home is where morals, character, and attitude are developed and created. Life begins in the home, and participation in a community begins, as well. Therefore, the home is not just a house, but also a state-of-mind which will affect someone's actions and thoughts. In Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is depicted as wanting to leave her home, and is disgraced by the other members. However, it turns out that even through her embarassment and social upheaval, caused by those in her home, she still returns, and holds it in regard. Through Elizabeth Bennet, Austen is able to express the idea that home will always have an affect on actions and identity.

First of all, the need to be rid of her home for a while leads her to take a trip away. Yet while touring the country with her aunt and uncle she still is connected with those people close to her, living at home. Therefore she is still involved in the goingons and important actions of her community. This shows that even while away from home, one still feels a connection to the people there, enough to communicate and care about what takes place.

While away from home, Elizabeth is able to grow and experience different situations, evolving her character and attitude. However, she still keeps certain morals and thoughts the same, inherited from her home. For example, her father taught her to be amused with things which seemed unpleasant, or were annoying to others, therefore she was able to "laugh" at almost anything, even herself and her own shortcomings.

The importance of leaving her home is that she returns to it: the same, yet different person. Same, because her identity has not changed. These are her people, this is were she is from, this is where she belongs. Yet at the same time, she has gained experience from her travels, using lessons taught from home to guide her. For example, the way in which she deals civily with people, and the importance of appearance maintains its status as a priority in her actions.

Therefore, Austen supports Sonsyrea Tate's statement that although one leaves their home, it maintain's its presence in your being and essence. However, at the same time, Austen also shows that time away from home can develop the foundational substance provided, creating a better rounded and more complete and experienced being.

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