<p>Can anyone please score my essay? Thanks!</p>
<p>Assignment: Is it better for people to be realistic or optimistic? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
<p>Optimism is the pinnacle of human emotions, a light in a dark world that propels people forward into better times, even in the face of harsh reality. During the American Revolution, the states faced an almost impossible task of defeating the British army, but through their tenacious optimism, America was able to succeed. Slaves of the antebellum period in the early 19th century persevered in their hopes for freedom, allowing them to live through their difficult lives. In The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Celie holds out hope that her sister is still alive and will come back, so that she endures her life on that hope. </p>
<p>Even though the American army was new and weak, optimism allowed Americans to continue fighting until they attained independence. The British army was the most powerful military force in the world at this time, and was expected to crush the American insurrection. Americans longed dearly for their autonomy and freedom, and so held optimistic views on the war. This optimism pushed America to fight, even when they lost a few battled. Their optimism incited volunteers to join the fight, and eventually, at the Battle of Yorktown, the British surrendered to a newly independent America.</p>
<p>Another example of optimism in history can be see in the slaves of the antebellum period, whose optimism for freedom allowed them to live through their ordeals. Slaves had terribly difficult lives, working from sunrise to sunset alongside the crack of the whip, but they got through it by holding on to the hope of freedom. They sang old spirituals of Moses freeing the Jewish people, and of equality and justice. Slaves developed their own culture that looked with reverence on the prospect of freedom. Without this optimism, slaves would not have been able to survive such a traumatic experience.</p>
<p>Literature also demonstrates the power of optimism, namely in The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Celie, the protagonist, is able to survive life with her abusive husband by being optimistic. Celie believes that her sister, Nettie, is still alive even though she has not seen her for years. Celie's husband had forced Nettie away, though she was the only person Celie had ever loved. With her horrible life with her abusive husband, who rapes and mistreats her, Celie's only reason to live is the hope that Nettie will return. Celie's optimism carries her through her life, in which she eventually finds love and learns her self-worth.</p>
<p>In many cases optimism has allowed nations and people to succeed, even with reality impeding the way. With optimism, it seems that anybody can achieve or endure whatever comes her way. Though one should not be entirely oblivious to reality, it is clear that optimism has pushed many people to impossible goals.</p>