<p>Hi, its me again. Day before yesterday, I put an essay up here which earned a '12', according to some experienced members, so I have to say that this forum has taught me a lot. Even so, I must keep up practice, hence, another essay.</p>
<p>I was wondering whether anyone could please critique myself so I have an accurate picture of myself. It would be nice if you could leave some sort of score, or any comment at all.</p>
<p>Assignment:</p>
<p>Many people deny that stories about characters and events that are not real can teach us about ourselves or about the world around us. They claim that literature does not offer us worthwhile information about the real world. These people argue that the feelings and ideas we gain from books and stories obstruct, rather than contribute to, clear thought.
--Adapted from Jennifer L. McMahon, "The Function of Fiction"</p>
<p>Can books and stories about characters and events that are not real teach us anything useful?</p>
<p>Essay:</p>
<p>At first glance, many would denounce literature as a means of interpreting the real world. However, despite of the fact that literature may be fictitious, it contributes significantly to our moral principles. The qualms which resound through fictitious works are key in helping us to become effective global citizens. Several literary classics provide us with such facilitative morals.</p>
<p>Take for instance To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The novel is centered around Atticus Finch, a lawyer who takes the initiative to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who was innocent of the crime he was convicted for. A great majority of the town (and the jury), was white and biased towards the white accusers, with the assumption that all black-skinned people were criminals. As the situation progressed, the white inhabitants of the town began to recognize Tom Robinson's plight and Atticus's noble cause. Tom Robinson' innocence taught the townspeople to not make immediate assumptions, while Atticus;s decision exemplified universal fairness and equality. Both morals presented in this fictitious work are applicable in society.</p>
<p>The novel In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck also dons its own important morals. The story is focused on a group of apple pickers in Central California during the Great Depression. The apple pickers are paid a meager salary which barely allows them a daily meal, so they begin to strike for higher wages. At first, the strikes are unsuccessful and disorganized due to disunity among the workers. After the arrival of revolutionaries Jim and Marc and the murder of a union member (Joy) by the police, the apple pickers are able to drive away vigilantes and successfully conduct their strike. This work of historical fiction teaches us that unity is strength, and that overcoming differences is critical in solving a problem.</p>
<p>The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald also falls into the same category. The novel fixates upon a young soldier, Gatsby who is unable to marry Daisy Fay due to differences in social status and military commitment. When Daisy marries another man for his wealth, Gatsby decides to become wealthy in order to win over Dasiy. However, to become wealthy, Gatsby followed a dishonest path as a mobster. Due to this fact, Daisy refuses to marry Gatsby. The imaginary character of Gatsby shows how dishonesty can never lead to success in long term. "Honesty is the best policy" is definitely an appropriate phrase for the real world.</p>
<p>Many people believe that fictitious works are solely for entertainment purpose and cannot teach us about ourselves or the world around us. Although fictitious literature may be the products of authors' imagination, these works contain moral values which teach us how to interact in society.</p>