<p>The SAT essay is the most dreadful part for me since I tend to brainstorm for too long, and Im worried that I wont have any examples to use. I was going to post the three essays I wrote so far, but then it would be pretty irritating to read such an amount of text. Even I would refuse to read three essays and just go to another thread instead ><em>< So heres an essay that basically follows the standard SAT essay template. Its probably the best one of the bunch. Ive never had anyone read my essays, so I would really appreciate any feedback. Thank you! ^</em>____^</p>
<p>Prompt: Is conscience a more powerful motivator than money, fame, or power?</p>
<p>Conscience is a more powerful motivator than fame, money, or power. To go against conscience is a dangerous thing, for the mere idea of being haunted by ones own sin is a fearsome and painful prospect. Throughout literature, one can see several instances where characters those to be ultimately guided by their conscience.</p>
<p>In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, conscience plays a major role in the final act of the play. John Proctor finds himself torn between lying that hes a witch in order to save his life or remaining silent to keep his integrity. After a mental struggle, John decides to confess that hes a witch. At the final moment, however, he rescinds his confession and tears it, condemning himself to death by hanging. John realized that he would not be able to live with himself if he went along with the confession. Lying, although it wouldve saved his life, was simply not right especially when it meant that he would have to go along with the hysteria that seized Salem. In the end, conscience was a stronger motivator than the chance to live.</p>
<p>Besides in the minds of hardened adults, conscience prevails in the minds of adolescents as well. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Huck sometimes struggles with his conscience as he travels along the Mississippi River. One foggy night, Jim and Huck get separated. After a while, Huck manages to find Jim asleep on the raft. He decides to have some fun and tries to trick Jim into thinking that the whole affair was a dream. However, Jim realizes the truth and is deeply hurt that Huck a fool out of him after he had him worried so much. Huck feels bad for his actions and brings himself to apologize to Jim. Even though this apology may not look like much, one has to realize that Huck was brought up in a society where white people are superior to slaves. It required a powerful force, conscience, to make Huck humble himself to Jim.</p>
<p>In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, a young reverend is in a constant battle against his conscience for having succumbed to lust and committed adultery. Throughout the novel, one can see the effects of conscience on Dimmesdale in his ever worsening health and self torture. His situation is exacerbated by the gush of praise he receives from the townspeople, who see him as pious and holy. Dimmesdale knows better though and is always reminded of his sin. By the end of the novel, Dimmesdale acknowledges that he must confess to everyone and cease living a hypocritical life. Rejecting the townspeoples praise, Dimmesdale confesses upon the scaffold in front of the whole town and is able to die with a clear conscience.</p>
<p>As one can see by these literary examples, conscience is indeed the greater motivator. Fame, money, and power may provide temporary satisfaction, but conscience is always urging man to do whats right. How can one truly be at peace knowing full well of a past crime that one committed? People tend to regret the wrongs theyve done, and sooner or later, follow conscience to finally be at peace.</p>