Adversity In I Know Why The Caged

Horace, an ancient Roman poet from around 50 BC (Coolidge 90), is quoted on saying “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” Now while Horace was very intelligent, and this quote seems to be correct, there are also numerous occasions in which adversity has brought about the inverse reaction. Throughout history, adversity has repeated both of the effects many times, such as: in Horace’s life, the biblical story of Joseph, the War of 1812, during the Great Depression and throughout World War II.

In life, there are many possible roads that a person can take. Some may be smooth and lined with gold bricks and success, and some may be bumpy and paved with dirt and frustration. The things that a person does in their lifetime that leads to the end of the road comes along with many accomplishments and even more failure along the way. There are some things that can prevent these defeating things from happening such as a good supportive family and having role models in life. As exemplified by the memoir The Other Wes Moore, the author suggests that regardless of environment, lives can end up entirely divergent due to family support, choices and consequences.

“Everyone is handed adversity in life. No one’s journey is easy. It’s how they handle it that makes people unique.” This is a quote by Kevin Conroy. When applied to the novels Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and Night by Elie Wiesel, it is easy to see the truth in Conroy’s words.

A huge moment that reflects why this theme leaves such a big impact on me was when I got really upset in elementary school and started crying uncontrollably from my partner criticizing me for something I was struggling with. However, despite the fact that I barely whispered more than three sentences a day, half my class stood up for me, which resonates deeply with me knowing that kids that young were able to define such strong traits within themselves to use, while other adults struggle to show an ounce of those characteristics. A lot of the time it is easier said than done when you see something wrong but don’t do anything about it. In elementary school, my judgment was often clouded and didn’t always lead to me making the right choices such as leaving my brothers in tears because I didn’t want to be with him one afternoon. I thought that if I would do it more often, it would toughen him up and he would avoid annoying me.

In the face of adversity, what causes some individuals to fail while others prevail? Many people face difficulties. Depending on the person’s strength some will get through tough times, but some will fail to overcome them. I have chosen two books: Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Book Thief. These two stories deal with people overcoming the difficulties they face throughout their life.

Adversity, or misfortune, affects everyday life by engendering the present. Without misfortune, humans are unable to develop and learn from mistakes. For instance, in The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the plot of this novel is omphalic around how Hester Prynne, the protagonist, is given hardships for committing the transgression of adultery and having covert knowledge of who her adulter is.

They had to understand the culture he or she was a part of, and who their friends and families were, and what town their families came from. They to appreciate the idea that the values of the world we inhabit and the people we surround ourselves with have a profound effect on who we are” (11). Gladwell aims to influence the reader to consider a more practical idea of success. He directly addresses his audience several times throughout these two chapters. He initially grabs the reader’s attention in his opening paragraphs by referencing a well-known television show, thus capturing their interest and attention.

The Environment Can Control In times of difficulty, individuals tend to change who they are. For example, when one tends to grow up and go through the stages of adulthood, they change their ways in which they act or think. Situations and environment are able to control and manipulate an individual. Situations can become so severe that they can lead to savagery in one’s individual environment.

The roman poet Horace once wrote “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” I believe that Horace’s quote about adversity eliciting talents, is correct. While there may be some outliers to this assumption, I assume that there would not be many. I think Horace makes a fairly good point, in that talents only really shine when faced with a challeng. Horace’s quote is backed up by the fact that the poet Horace was famous in ancient rome.

The author chooses to detail five different benefits of overcoming hardships, and one quote states: “The result is enhanced concentration, peak performance, and more confidence.” The use of the noun “enhanced” shows that due to overcoming hardship, many things can be enhanced such as resilience, and in this case concentration. This supports the theme of overcoming adversity to be stronger, as you can become a better person, have a healthier mindset, and be aware of or try to prevent future hardships. The use of the noun “confidence” adds on to the statement, supporting the theme of positive self improvement. Moreover, this also proves that over the course of overcoming hardships, you gain skills and change for the

One prime example of learning of out struggle was when the mother gave Jeannette 200 for one summer. She believes that she can make it work, if she works more. But eventually her father asks her for money and she gives in to the temptation “I pulled my head back. Giving him that money pissed me off. I was mad at myself but even madder at Dad.

War Combat, loyalty, enmity, bloodshed, and duty, all words that fit under the category of war. The novel Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is about Louis Zamperini a strong willed man raised in Torrance, California. He started as a young troublemaker until he discovered his passion for running in high school. That very passion led him to compete in the Olympics. Later he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, a brave decision that would change his life.

The Roman poet, Horace once said, “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant”. Horace argues that difficult circumstances critically impact the development of one’s character. Although some may argue that character will reveal itself regardless if adversity is present, I agree with Horace’s perspective, adversity determines one's potential capabilities, strengthens personal values, and provides a feeling of self-worth. Sure, there are cases in which prosperous circumstances lead to internal development.

Adversity can take us by surprise, but everyone at some point in life experiences it. The way our personal identity can be shaped is through our phases of adversity. The experiences of dealing with difficulties can shape the way we view life and the actions that will show our persona. When we persevere adversity and obstacles it shows our reputation and our true type of identity. In the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare, illustrates the way Hamlet, as well as other characters, deal with adversity through the types of motives they are seeking.

Tragedies show a lot about people and can bring out the truth about the who a person truly is. Tragedies, even so they are a terrible thing, they can sometimes bring out the perseverance in oneself, for example; “I rise. I rise. I rise.” Said by Maya Angelou as she rose from all the said ‘tragedies’ that have been putting her down.