Question for December 9: Rasselas, 2717-20 and 2730-46

The story of Rasselas represents Samuel Johnson's attempt to explain a vital component in human nature--mankind's continual, often frustrating, search for personal happiness.  As we complete a semester of English 205, let's take the opportunity to recognize that we have been studying not only British history and literature, but also the written record of a number of thoughtful, intelligent English men and women through the ages who have tried to understand and explain what it means to be human.  While you are reviewing for the final exam, think back on what we have read.  Did you read anything this semester which made you think, "Yes, that's what people are like!" or "I know someone like that"?  Nominate your favorite piece of early British lit and explain why you like it.  Thank you for your comments!  I have enjoyed reading them and incorporating them into the course.

Question for December 7: Rasselas, Pages 2698-2717

Chapters 16-22 follow Rasselas as he observes people in various places and stations.  The pattern in each chapter is the same:  Rasselas thinks that he has at last found someone who has made "the choice of life," a way of living that leads to perfect happiness, but by the end of each chapter he is disappointed.  Choose any one of these chapters for your comment.  What sort of lifestyle has been chosen that seems to lead to happiness?  Why has happiness not been attained?  Can you find any modern parallels to the events of your chosen chapter.  (For this comment, since people may choose different chapters, it is not necessary to respond to previous posts.)

Question for December 5: Rasselas, pp. 2680-98

For Monday, let's focus on the first five chapters of Samuel Johnson's romance, Rasselas, on pages 2680-87.  In the first two chapters, the Happy Valley is described as a man-made paradise.  Rasselas, a prince of Abyssinia, has everything anyone could desire.  Or does he?  Why do you think Rasselas wants to leave the Happy Valley?

Question for December 2: The Beggar's Opera, pp. 2634-2656

Today, it's your turn to pick the topic.  Comment upon your reaction to "The Beggar's Opera."  Some possible issues:  Do Peachum and Lockit seem any more immoral than people in other professions than  theirs?  How are the two central female characters, Polly Peachum and Lucy Lockit, alike and/or different?  Do they have individuality, or are they merely "types"?  What is the effect of the surprise ending of the play?  Comment upon these or any other issue in the play, using a quotation from the text as a springboard for your remarks.  Also, read the comment before yours, and respond to it briefly.

Question for November 30: The Beggar's Opera, Acts 1 & 2 (to scene 8)

The Beggar’s Opera has for its heroes and heroines highwaymen, thieves, prostitutes, fences and police informants.  John Gay wrote it as a satire on upper class morals.  He said of his play, “It is difficult to determine whether the fine Gentlemen imitate the Gentlemen of the Road or the Gentlemen of the Road the fine Gentlemen.”  Comment upon the ways that these unsavory characters from London low life reflect the lives of the upper classes, particularly lawyers, ministers, refined lords and ladies, and statesmen.  Do Gay’s comparisons seem realistic to you?

Question for November 28: Pope and Irwin (pages 2598-2607)

Alexander Pope believed that each person has a "ruling passion . . . , a single irresistible desire" (Norton 2597).  In his "Epistle 2. To a Lady," he argues that although men may have many different ruling passions, only two are found in women:  "The love of pleasure, and the love of sway [or power]" (line 210).  Anne Ingram, Viscountess Irwin wrote "An Epistle to Mr. Pope" in response to Pope's poem.  In it, she argues that both men and women desire power, but women have been limited by society's customs, particularly as regards education.  Which view of women seems more realistic to you, Pope's or Irwin's?  Find lines in either poem which support or illustrate your view.

(Note:  You will find the second paragraph on page 2597 helpful in understanding Pope's poem.  Lines 1-198 are "a portrait gallery of ladies that illustrates their inconsistency and volatility."  This is the most difficult part of the poem, and you do not have to understand all of it.  Lines 199-248 are on the subject of ruling passions.  Finally, lines 249-92 describe Pope's ideal of womankind.)

Question for November 21: Swift and Montagu

After reading Jonathan Swift's poem, "The Lady's Dressing Room" (pages 2590-93), and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's response in "The Reasons That Induced Dr. Swift to Write a Poem Called the Lady's Dressing Room" (pages 2593-95), consider the following questions:  What seem to be Swift's purpose and main idea in his poem?  How about Lady Montagu's purpose and main idea in her poem?  How does Montagu imitate the form and content of Swift's poem?  Which poem do you prefer, and why?