Only readings listed on the syllabus by these authors are eligible for this first exam: Behn, Swift, Voltaire, Bashō, Equiano, Wordsworth, and Keats. At least ONE example has to come from the Week #3 readings (Equiano, Wordsworth, or Keats).

QUESTION

Topic

Only readings listed on the syllabus by these authors are eligible for this first exam: Behn, Swift, Voltaire, Bashō, Equiano, Wordsworth, and Keats. At least ONE example has to come from the Week #3 readings (Equiano, Wordsworth, or Keats).

In most of the readings in the first three weeks, we see characters or writers in situations where they either regret or could potentially regret their actions or what happens to them. In your exam, use three examples from assigned texts to discuss how regret might play a role in the assigned texts (and your three examples cannot use the same author twice—for example, you cannot use both poems by Keats and count it as two of the three examples). Is there actual regret present in the text? Is it a situation where one might express regret for something that has happened and yet the character or writer does not? What does the acknowledgement or lack of acknowledgement of regret suggest about the writer, character, or situation? What does the text suggest about how we might face regretful situations or moments in our own lives?

Keep in mind that all of your examples do not have to be demonstrating the same type of regret. You could easily have one example where there is active regret in the story or poem and then two other examples where regret is lacking. It will entirely depend on what you see happening in the texts.

Length and Content Requirements

Your essay response must be a minimum of 550 words (there is no maximum, but try to avoid writing a book).

While you may use some of an author’s biography to make your point, keep in mind that your discussion should include a discussion of the texts we have read in class and not rely solely on biographical information.

This should be entirely your own argument, and you are not allowed to use any secondary material in this exam (your textbook or the version of the assigned text you are using is your only source).

As much as these are your own arguments, you should minimize your use of “I” unless absolutely necessary.

I would also argue against cutting and pasting information from your discussion posts and using that as the core content for your essays. If you choose to do so and heavily revise that content, it can work, but some students have used it as a shortcut method for completing the exam in the past, and it tends not to work well without carefully tailoring that information to the specific question posed below.

Formatting

Your exam must be in conventional essay format (contain an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion).

Any paraphrases or direct quotations of material from the texts you are using must be properly punctuated (clear use of quotation marks for direct quotations, for example) and must contain a parenthetical citation (in MLA or APA format) noting the page number of the material. There is no need for a works cited page if you’re using the assigned textbook, but if you’re using any other version of the assigned texts, you must provide a works cited page, noting full bibliographical information for your source material, with the submitted exam.

From these works, choose 2 examples：

Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,”

Voltaire’s Candide

From The Narrow Road to the Deep North“

Equiano’s “From The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself,”

Wordsworth’s “Ode on Intimations of Immortality” and “The World is Too Much With Us,”

Keats’ “Bright Star” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn,”

ANSWER

Regret and its Role in Selected Texts

Introduction

Regret is a common theme explored in literature, reflecting the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of our actions. In this essay, we will analyze how regret manifests in selected texts, namely Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” Voltaire’s Candide, and William Wordsworth’s “The World is Too Much With Us.” By examining these examples, we will explore the presence or absence of regret, its implications for the characters and writers, and what these texts suggest about facing regret in our own lives.

Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”

In Swift’s satirical essay, “A Modest Proposal,” the narrator proposes a shocking solution to poverty in Ireland by suggesting that the impoverished Irish should sell their children as food for the wealthy. While the narrator expresses a detached and callous tone, there is an underlying sense of irony that reveals Swift’s intention to critique the heartless attitudes of the ruling class. The absence of direct regret from the narrator highlights the depths of moral depravity to which society has sunk. However, through his use of satire, Swift prompts readers to feel a profound sense of regret for the inhumane treatment of the Irish and the prevailing social inequities.

Voltaire’s Candide

Voltaire’s Candide follows the misadventures of the titular character, who experiences various tragedies and hardships throughout his journey. Despite the series of unfortunate events that befall Candide, he maintains an unwavering optimism, which shields him from experiencing regret. Voltaire uses Candide’s unyielding optimism to criticize the philosophy of Leibniz, who claimed that this world was the “best of all possible worlds.” The absence of regret in Candide’s character suggests a critique of blind optimism and naivety in the face of human suffering. Voltaire encourages readers to question the limitations of such a worldview and consider the need for critical examination and realistic expectations.

Wordsworth’s “The World is Too Much With Us”

In Wordsworth’s sonnet, “The World is Too Much With Us,” the speaker laments the materialistic and shallow values that have estranged humanity from nature. The poem expresses a sense of regret for the loss of a spiritual connection with the natural world. The speaker longs for a return to a purer state of being, devoid of the distractions and superficialities of modern life. Wordsworth’s portrayal of regret in this poem highlights the significance of reconnecting with nature and embracing a deeper sense of spirituality. Through this introspective reflection, the poem encourages readers to reassess their own priorities and the potential consequences of neglecting our connection with the natural world.

Conclusion

Regret plays a multifaceted role in the selected texts, with its presence or absence conveying different meanings and intentions. In “A Modest Proposal,” Swift employs satire to evoke a sense of regret in readers, exposing societal callousness. Voltaire’s Candide challenges blind optimism and presents a character who lacks regret, highlighting the flaws of an idealistic worldview. Wordsworth’s “The World is Too Much With Us” expresses regret for the loss of a deeper connection with nature, urging readers to reflect on their own priorities. These texts remind us of the complexities of regret and the importance of introspection in navigating life’s choices. By critically engaging with regretful situations, we can learn, grow, and make more informed decisions that align with our values and the well-being of others.