To Whom It May Concern:
I would first like to thank you for taking the time to read my selected works for my portfolio. I am Anita Wang, a freshman in Fudan University. This semester I took the advanced writing class and I really harvested a lot from it.
The content of this class is very abundant. Before each lesson, we would have a 10-min free writing. We have read four celebrated articles which were “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Americanization of Shadrach Cohen” by Bruno Lessing, “Dead Men's Path” by Chinua Achebe and “The Grass-Eaters” by Krishnan Varma. We wrote reading log for each and an interpretive essay on one of the four articles. Throughout the semester, we also had three timed-writing. This writing portfolio is composed of some selected articles I wrote this semester, including this cover letter, three drafts of an academic essay, a final timed-wring and a reading log.
In this class, I bumped into a lot of new things: reading log, timed-writing, plot summary, peer review and the academic interpretive essay. What have I harvested from this class is great. I used to like writing in free style for I think it could best express my views. But this time, things were different. It was my first time to have written an essay so academically that I could not deny it was a challenge to me. With the guidance and practice, my writing structure improved. My grammar mistakes are less than before and understanding towards articles becomes more accurate, too. I feel I am gradually growing into a critical thinker and a true writer. After this class, I am more confident in my formal academic writing for I have seen my own progress. From null, I created my “best” essay. That was really an exciting experience.
The first item in this portfolio is the reading log. Among the four reading log, I chose the one for “The Necklace”. The heroine Mathilde is often defined as a poor woman who pays high price on her vanity. But I like this character very much for she is so real. I was moved by this lady’s dignity and courage. I wanted to defend this lady and here came this reading log. In it, I expressed how I saw this character.The second item was my final timed-writing. Would Mathilde’s life have become better if she had not lost the necklace? I tried to find the answer through Mathilde’s changes in her appearance and in her mind. The writing process was quite smooth. I think it is easier for me to organize my ideas now.
The biggest part of this class was to write an interpretive essay. The article I chose was Chinua Achebe’s “Dead Men’s Path”. I thought the culture clash should not be blamed for the main character’ failure so the essay focused on exploring the real reason. There are three drafts in all. They were put in the order of time so you can see my changes and progress through each.
Draft one severed to show my organization of my ideas. Finding a good thesis statement was no easy job. Writing in Chinese and in English differs a lot. When writing in Chinese, you may reveal your opinion deeply and let the readers to guess. But when writing in English, you should say your opinions out, loudly. My first thesis was not specific and not strong. With the suggestion of Mr. Corio, I revised it and made it stronger and clearer. I imagined myself as the main character in order to understand the character better. “What was he thinking about that time?” “Why he behaved in this way?” I often asked myself. I felt as a detective who was seeking answers through one and the next paragraph. In order to show the organization of my ideas more clearly, I used small titles in my first draft.
Then we had our peer review. Peer review was a wonderful idea because sometimes other people might be able to figure out something that you probably would not find. Finding the miss is the first step of improving. And I did gain a lot from it.
In my draft two, I deleted the small titles and started to use quotes and rearranged some ideas and paragraph. I laid more emphasis on the conflict. In fact, I was quite confident in my draft two that time until I received Mr. Corio’s comments. All red parts! I was really a little frustrated but I tried to read every specific comment carefully to find the improving way. Mr. Corio’s instructions on quoting and revising were very helpful. I found there were so many rules that I should follow. I could not wait to begin cultivating my draft three.
In the draft three, I tried to quote with more technique. I also inserted new sentences in the paragraph to make the flow of ideas more logic. I spared no effort in correcting grammar mistakes. This process was time consuming and needed great patience. But from it, I came to know: perfect comes after times of revising. That is a golden rule to me now.
I am smiling while writing this cover letter. It is an unforgettable memory. I want to express my gratitude to our instructor, Ron Corio. He had given me so much guidance during the whole semester. Without him, I could not have walked so far. “Thank you, Ron. You are a very nice person. I learnt a lot from this class.” I also want to thank Promise and Thomas who also have helped me a lot. Friendship can last even when this class is over. I believe so.
Thank you for taking the time to read my papers. I hope you enjoyed the reading process.
Sincerely,Anita Wang
Anita Wang
June 6, 2007
Draft Three
Superior Feelings, Not Culture Clash
In the time when the British gained the control of Nigeria, what conflict may exist and how did people react to that? Chinua Achebe tries to discuss this topic with his own understandings and experiences. In the story “Dead Men’s Path” by Achebe, Michael Obi, a young and enthusiastic British headmaster, intends to abolish the dead men’s path without villagers’ agreement. But his intention finally ends in the tribal war. The conflict between Obi and villagers is provoked by the culture clash so it seems that his failure is inevitable. But actually, if we take a deeper insight into the story, maybe we should take a second thought. In fact, it is Obi’s “superior feelings”, not the culture clash that results in his failure.
Culture clash does cause the conflict. Culture clash is a very normal thing when a country gains control of another because the stronger one usually tries to replace the “loser” one’s culture with its own in order to consolidate and prolong its dominance. And in the process of this “merging” or “substituting”, conflicts often arouse. Although such task is tough, it is not impossible to accomplish. Then, the key point is how to make this process go through. Obviously, the story does not tell a right way.
There are several comparisons between the two positions in the story. The school is “unprogressive” and “backward in every sense of the word”. (52) And Obi is “young and energetic”. (52) The villagers are labeled “unenlightened” and Obi is kind of the representative of “modern knowledge” at that time. The divergence in opinion reveals the culture difference lying between two positions. So, while the villagers lay more emphasize on the tradition or ancestral heritage, Obi pays more attention to the more practical things. He simply does not believe villagers’ religion and regards that as something ridiculous. Culture clash breeds disagreement and disagreement produces conflict. But conflict is not equal to the failure. Obi’s reaction to such differences in belief is critical in solving the problem and to behave “superior” is not the solution.
What do superior feelings bring? Yes, the “absolutely right” attitude and extreme confidence. The villagers actually try to solve the problem through negotiation. The priest is sincere but Obi is not. “The whole purpose of our school is to eradicate just such beliefs as that. The whole idea is just fantastic. Our duty is to teach your children to laugh at such ideas.” (54) He is telling that abolishing the dead men’s path is the “absolutely” and “only” true thing without doubts. He says it so firmly, so confidently, giving the priest no other place to negotiate. In fact, he is saying “you are still unenlightened and I came with the duty to enlighten you. What you should do is just follow me with your mouths shut.” What makes him so confident? Obi’s “hopes were fulfilled much earlier” (52) and he hides no “condemnation of the narrow views” (52) of his “older and often less-educated” (52) colleague in the “mission field”. (52) Advantages in ability let Obi feel superior. He believes so deeply that he is right and gives no opportunity to build trust between the two positions because he thinks there is no need at all. Trust can not be built without communication. Then how can a conflict be solved without trust? This time, Obi’s overflowing confidence does not stand on his side.
If Obi’s "no negotiation" attitude fails to build trust between him and villagers, then his arrogant and aggressive attitude just makes things worse. His arrogance comes from the fact that he does not put the villagers in the equal position with himself. He is a member of the winning country that gains control of another. Obi put himself in a superior position, so his words are full of arrogance. He is just like talking with his head up. The mis-position-setting creates the discordance in the negotiation. His superior feelings blind him of the importance of the word “equal”. Then, how can a negotiation be done without the basic equality between two sides? Has culture clash told Obi to behave so superior? The answer is “no”. So, it is the problem of Obi’s personal improper attitude, not culture clash.
Obi’s superior feelings also lead him to some bottom lines of morality. He makes laugh at the villagers’ ancestors. “I would suggest you constructing another path, skirting our premises. I do suppose the ancestors will find the little detour too burdensome.” (54) He even uses “do” to emphasize his words. In every single culture, making fun of other peoples’ ancestor is always wrong and very impolite. But Obi does it. Is it still the business of culture clash? No. Obi’s mean joke offends the moral criteria, so it is his personal problem. Culture clash is just an excuse to explain these improper behaviors.
Superior feelings make Obi arrogant and rude and his acerbic words and mean joke hurt villagers’ feelings. The villagers feel humiliated. Obi’s words may create or deepen villagers’ feelings that they are “inferior”, being looked down upon and their country is in the control of another. So, the villagers think perhaps this time the only way to protect the path is to use violence. And here comes the “torn up” hedges, “trampled” flowers and “pulled-down” school building. (54). That is why “a big row” (53) last time but a terrible mess this time. Are villagers born to be so violent? No, they choose to negotiate at first but Obi blows it away. I do not see any culture clash problem here I see the angry raised by arrogance and humiliation and the people who try to protect themselves.
The conflict between two positions is inevitable but what will happen if Obi changes his aggressive behaviors? If he had showed more care and understanding to the villagers, villagers would regard him “approachable” and willing to share their views with Obi. If Obi had been willing to regard the villagers’ position equal to his position, the tense atmosphere might have been alleviated. And only under such environment will it be possible for Obi to realize his dream which is running school well and let villagers accept his views. Stable environment is the basic requirement and Obi misses this point unfortunately.
Changing others’ religion or belief is no easy task which requires long term communication, conciliation and respect to each other. As an “advanced” teacher even in Obi’s own country, there is no reason that Obi did not know this. Then why he did not do so this time? What on earth blinds him? Yes, his superior feelings. Obi is eager to see his achievement, so he is so aggressive; he is confident in his ability and belief, so he is so arrogant. Obi actually is a good man who loves his career so much. He spares no effort cultivating his dream. He is so happy when he got the “grand opportunity” (53) that he could not wait to show the villagers “how a school should be run”. (53) We have no doubt about Obi’s passion to the education career but this time we should admit that his “superior” feeling has blocked his way towards the success.
The culture clash creates the conflict because there is a huge gap between Obi and villagers in opinion. But it is Obi’s superior feeling brings his rudeness, arrogance and aggressiveness which are the real reasons for his failure. Culture clash can not defend Obi’s failure. Obi’s superior feelings are the real explanation.
Work Cited
Chinua Achbe. “Dead Men’s Path.” 1953. Rpt. in “The International Story”. Page 52-54
Anita Wang
May 22, 2007
Draft Two
Title
In the time when the British gained the control of Nigeria, what conflict may exist and how people reacted to that? Chinua Achebe tried to discuss this topic with his own understandings and experiences. In the story Dead Men’s Path by Achebe, Michael Obi, a young and enthusiastic British headmaster, intended to abolish the dead men’s path without villagers’ agreement finally ended in the tribal war. Many people say it is the result of culture clash. But actually, I think it is Obi’s “Superior Feelings”, not the culture clash that result in his failure.
Many people say that Michael Obi’s failure was inevitable because it is related to the culture clash. But actually, if we take a deeper insight into the story, maybe we should take a second thought.
“It had always been an unprogressive school, so the Mission authorities decided to send a young and energetic man to run it.”(52) “He was outspoken in his condemnation of the narrow views of these older and often less-educated ones.” (52) “Ndume School was backward in every sense of the word.” (53)These are the comparisons between these two positions. The villagers are labeled “unenlightened” and Obi is kind of the representative of “modern knowledge” at that time. The divergence in opinion reveals the culture clash lying between two positions. So, while the villagers lay more emphasize on the tradition or ancestral heritage, Obi pays more attention to the more practical things, he simply did not believe villagers’ religion and regarded that as something ridiculous. And here comes the conflict between western advanced civilization and villagers’ beliefs. Yes, culture difference does contribute to the “CONFILCT” between villagers and Obi, but what I want to say is that conflict is not equal to the failure. How Obi responded to such differences in belief was really the key point.
Culture clash is a very normal thing when a country gained control of another for the stronger country usually tries to replace the “Loser” country’s culture with its own in order to consolidate and prolong its dominance. And in the process of this “merging” or “substituting”, conflicts often arouse. But on the other hand, such process is not always regarded as something “evil” because it could usually bring some new ideas and knowledge to both sides. History has told us that such tasks were not impossible to accomplish. Then, the key point was HOW to make this process go through. So, if Obi’s aggressive attitude and impolite behavior had been changed, maybe failure would not have knocked his door.
“The whole purpose of our school is to eradicate just such beliefs as that. Dead men do not require footpaths. The whole idea is just fantastic. Our duty is to teach your children to laugh at such ideas.” (54)
From these sentences, we could see how confident Obi was. He was telling that abolishing the dead men’s path was the “Absolutely” and “Only” true thing with no doubt. He said it so firmly, so confidently, giving the priest no other place to negotiate. Yes, in fact, he was saying “you are still unenlightened and I know more truth than you guys do I am absolutely the right one and I came with the duty to correct you, to enlighten you. What you should do is just following me with your mouths shut.” These words are not only the symbol of Obi’s extreme confidence. The way he talked best reveals his attitude towards the whole event. Obi put himself in such a superior position, so his words are full of arrogance rudeness. The mis-position-setting created the discordance in the negotiation. Negotiation without equality was doomed to fail.
Obi also made laugh at the villagers’ ancestors. “I would suggest you constructing another path, skirting our premises. I do suppose the ancestors will find the little detour too burdensome.” (54)He said dead men did not need path but now he said dead men would not mind the detour. In every single culture, making fun of other peoples’ ancestor is always wrong and very impolite. But obi did it, the “advanced” Obi did it, and the “unenlightened” villager priest did not do so. That was not the problem of culture clash, but some moral criteria. Culture clash is just an excuse.
Unfortunately, Obi’s intention finally ended in the furious tribal war. “The beautiful hedges were torn up not just near the path but right round the school, the flowers trampled to death and one of the school buildings pulled down.” (54) Is it because that the villagers are born to be so violent? “Well I don't know,” replied the other with a shrug of the shoulders. “But I remember there was a big row some time ago when we attempt to close it.”(53) Why just a big row last time but a terrible mess this time? Why villagers behaved so fiercely this time? What really made them so angry this time for the same event? Yes, this time the new “HEAD” was so rude and even made laugh at them, leaving no respect to them. The villagers felt humiliated and hurt in emotion. Obi’s words perhaps created or deepened villagers’ feelings that they were “inferior”, being looked down upon and their country was in the control of another. So they finally came to feel that the only to protect that path and guard their respect was to use violence. And so there comes the so called “tribal war.” Is this still something about the culture clash? I do not think so. It is about the human’s feelings and emotion; it is about angry raised by arrogance and humiliation; it is not about the culture clash.
The conflict between two positions is inevitable but what will happen if Obi changed his aggressive behaviors? If he had showed more care and understanding to the villagers, villagers would regard him “approachable” and willing to communicate with him. (In fact the villagers’ representative---priest came to talk to Obi but Obi just blew the negotiation away.) If Obi had been willing to regard the villagers’ position equal to his position, the tense atmosphere might be alleviated. And only under such environment will it be possible for Obi to realize his dream which is running school well and let villagers accept his views. Stable environment is the basic requirement and Obi missed that very unluckily.
Changing others’ religion or belief is no easy task which requires long term communication, conciliation and respect to each other. As an “advanced” teacher even in Obi’s own country, there is no reason that Obi did not know this. Then why he did not do so this time? What on earth blinded him? Yes, his “superior” feelings. It is such feelings that bring his arrogance, his over-confidence and his rude behaviors. “Why? They will give all their time and energy to the school.”(53) “I was thinking what a grand opportunity we’ve got at last to show these people how a school should be run.”(53) We have no doubt about Obi’s passion to the education career but this time we should admit that his “superior” feeling has blocked his way towards the success.
Some people may wonder is it possible that it’s the culture clash that brings these superior feeling.
Actually not true. Let’s see where these superior feelings come.
a. Michael Obi’ hopes were fulfilled much earlier than he had expected. He was appointed headmaster of Ndume Central School in January 1949.”(52)
b. “He was outspoken in his condemnation of the narrow views of these older and often less-educated ones.” (52)
c. It was Britain that gained control of Nigeria that time and Obi was British.
These are where Obi’s superior feelings come from. And they are not the offspring of the cultural clash. Obi was promoted much earlier than he had expected. And he thought he was more capable than other ones in his field. These two things let him feel so confident in his ability. The inequality in power between the two countries may be the direct source of his superior feelings. Obi was eager to see his achievement, so he was so aggressive; he was confident in his ability and belief, so he was arrogant. These three factors developed the “superior” feelings which misguided Obi.
Many time we found ourselves failed with good starting point and so did Obi. Obi failed because he did not deal with the conflict in the right way. His “absolutely right” attitude intensified the conflict and let him do something going against some moral bottom lines. I think Obi would learn a lot from this time’s failure.
Work Cited
Chinua Achbe. “Dead Men’s Path.” 1953. Rpt. in “The International Story”. Page 52-54
Anita Wang
May 7, 2007
Draft 1
Title
Introduction
In the time when the British gained the control of Nigeria, what conflict may exist and how people reacted to that? Chinua Achebe tried to discuss this topic with his own understandings and experiences. In the story Dead Men’s Path by Achebe, Michael Obi, a young and enthusiastic British headmaster, intended to abolish the dead men’s path without villagers’ agreement finally ended in the tribal war. Many people say it is the result of culture clash while they labeled Obi “advanced” and the villagers “enlightened”. But actually, I think it is Obi’s “Superior Feelings”, not the culture clash that result in his failure.
Body
Conflict is not equal to Failure
Many people say that Michael Obi’s failure resulted from the culture clash and so his failure was inevitable. But actually, if we take a deeper insight into the story, maybe we should take a second thought.
Yes. Culture difference does contribute to the “CONFILCT” between villagers and Obi, but conflict does not equal to the failure. If Obi’s aggressive attitude and impolite behavior had been changed, maybe failure would not have knocked his door.
Culture clash is the origin of the conflict but not the failure
First, let’s see what culture clash’s role is in the whole event.
“It had always been an unprogressive school, so the Mission authorities decided to send a young and energetic man to run it.” “Ndume School was backward in every sense of the word.” “He was outspoken in his condemnation of the narrow views of these older and often less-educated ones.” “The school compound cannot be a thoroughfare. It is against our regulations.”
These are the comparisons between these two positions. The villagers were labeled “enlightened” and Obi was kind of the representative of “modern knowledge” at that times. So, while the villagers laid more emphasize on the tradition or ancestral heritage, Obi pay more attention to the more practical things, he simply did not believe villagers’ religion and regarded that as something ridiculous. Then here come the conflict between western advanced civilization and villagers’ beliefs.
So, the “conflict” is inevitable and the culture difference was the origin of the whole conflict. But after that, how Obi responded to such differences in belief was really the key point.
It was Obi’s inappropriate behaviors the made villagers act so fiercely this time.“The whole purpose of our school is to eradicate just such beliefs as that. Dead men do not require footpaths. The whole idea is just fantastic. Our duty is to teach your children to laugh at such ideas.”
The way he talked best reveals his attitude towards the whole event. Yes, in fact, he was saying “you are still enlightened, what we should believe is science not your ridiculous belief. I am the right one and I came with the duty to correct you, to enlighten you. I am right.” Obi always put himself in such a superior position. Negotiation without equality was doomed to fail.
From these sentences, we could see how confident Obi was. He was telling that abolishing the dead men’s path was the “Absolutely” and “Only” true things with no doubt. He said it so firmly, so confidently, giving the priest no other place to negotiate. Obi also made laugh at the villagers’ ancestors. “I would suggest you constructing another path, skirting our premises. I do suppose the ancestors will find the little detour too burdensome.” He said dead men did not need path but now he said dead men would not mind the detour. In every single culture, making fun of other peoples’ ancestor is always wrong and very impolite. But obi did it, the “advanced” Obi did it, and the “unenlightened” villager priest did not do so. That was not the problem of culture clash, but some moral criteria. Culture was just an excuse.
Obi’s intention finally ended in the furious tribal war. “The beautiful hedges were torn up not just near the path but right round the school, the flowers trampled to death and one of the school buildings pulled down.” “Well I don't know,” replied the other with a shrug of the shoulders. “But I remember there was a big row some time ago when we attempt to close it.” Why just a big row last time but a terrible mess this time? Why villagers behaved so fiercely this time? What really made them so angry this time for the same event? Yes, because this time the new “HEAD” was so rude and even made laugh at them, leaving no respect to them. The villagers felt humiliated and hurt in emotion. Obi’s words perhaps created or deepened villagers’ feelings that they were “inferior”, being looked down upon and their country was in the control of another. So they finally came to feel that the only to protect that path and guard their respect was to use violence. And so there came the so called “tribal war.” Is this still something about the culture clash? I do not think so. It is about the human’s feelings and emotion; it is about angry raised by arrogance and humiliation; it is not about the culture clash.
Obi’s different behaviors could lead to different result.
The conflict between two positions is inevitable but what will happen if Obi changed his aggressive behavior?
If he had showed more care and understanding to the villagers, villagers would regard him “approachable” and willing to communicate with him. (In fact they did so this time but Obi’s behaviors just blew it away.) If Obi had been willing to regard the villagers’ position equal to his position, the tense atmosphere might be alleviated. And only under such environment will it be possible for Obi to realize his dream.
Changing others’ religion or belief was no easy thing and that required long term communication and respect to each other. As an “advanced” teacher even in Obi’s own country, there is no reason that Obi did not know this. Then why he did not do so this time? What on earth blinded him? Yes, his “superior” feelings.
Where do those feelings come?
Some people may wonder is it possible that it’s the culture clash that brings these superior feeling.
Actually not.
a. “He was outspoken in his condemnation of the narrow views of these older and often less-educated ones.” Obi was promoted much earlier than he had expected. And he thought he was more capable than other ones in his field. These two things let him feel so confident in his ability.
b. It was Britain that gained control of Nigeria that time and Obi was British. The inequality in power between the two countries may be the direct source of his superior feelings.
These are where Obi’s superior feelings come from. And they were not the offspring of the cultural clash. Obi was eager to see his achievement, so he was so aggressive; he was confident in his ability and belief, so he was arrogant. And what created these two “failure” key points? His superior feelings.
Conclusion
Strengthen the thesis statement.
PS. For this is the first draft, so I used small titles to show the organization of my ideas.
06300720111
Anita Wang
June 21, 2007
Final Timed-Writing
Directions: From The Necklace, what might have been the quality of Mme. Loisel’s life if she had not lost the necklace? Is her life better or worse now?
If Mathilde had not lost the necklace, her life would be totally different. At least, material life would not have become so poor. Perhaps her husband would get a small promotion and their maid was still there. And our Mathilde would continue her daydreaming of becoming rich and dance in front of the mirror every day. That was not bad actually because that had been her life for a very long time. But instead, Mathilde would be nothing but a woman of vanity. Would she become happy? No. She was a deer on the land who wanted to fly in the sky. The disparity lying between the reality and dream would still torture her and closed the door of happiness for her.
Before judging whether her life is better or worse. Let’s think about what kind of life can be called good. Being rich? Well, that is a point but can not explain everything. We have heard many people who are very rich but not happy. Can the life without happiness be called good? I don’t think so. Being rich is not the only way to enjoy the life. Hardworking shows dignity and that can create happiness, too. Yes, Mathilde’s life quality can not compare to the past. However, she has grown up. She is no longer so eager for that luxurious life. She woke up from the unrealistic dream. Although she has lost her out beauty, she comes to accept her life and try to enjoy it now. Adversity often offers us the chance to see the world and life with new eyes. Mathilde has found more valuable things. Between out beauty and dignity, Mathilde chose the dignity and that was her start point of changing and her biggest attraction as well. When the out beauty faded out in the stream of time, the inner beauty is under the sun now. Mathilde used to be alone in her daydream but she is not now. She has a good husband who went through the whole dark days with her. She feels content after correcting her mistake. She was proud when she told her friend that she had spent 10 years paying for that necklace. This content comes from the adherence to dignity. Mathilde was reborn and I believe with her now life attitude, she could live a much happier life than before. Why it has to be the blue sky? On the land, there are colorful flowers and trees. It is also very beautiful. After these 10 years, Mathilde has grown into a lady from a daydreaming girl. I think it is worthwhile.
She Is Brave, Not Poor
“The Necklace”, written by Guy de Maupassant is a very famous story worldwide. This is not the first or second time I have read this story but I still enjoy it a lot.
Mathilde, the heroine, seemed to be label “poor” and “tragic”. But I do not think so. I care about her dignity far more than her one-night vanity.
She does have a sense of vanity, but who doesn't? I admit that vanity isn't something that should be encouraged, but she has paid for it with her own hands. She does indulge herself too much that night, but her dignity has not been lost or deluded by her daydreaming towards luxurious life. She chooses to face the huge debt instead of escaping from it. She doesn't choose to tell the friend the truth at the beginning. In fact, I think if she has told the truth, she wouldn't have to pay that huge amount of money at all. The thing that she used to care most is her outbeauty, but she is willing to sacrifice it in order to pay for the lost necklace. She is brave enough to face her huge mistake ang that is not a so simple thing that can be done by everyone. I don't want to blame this lady too much, 10 years is enough to her, far more enough.
Why should we feel sorry for her? Because the price she pays for that night is too high? In fact, although may be a little cruel, I want to say it is the lost of that necklace that offers Mathilde the chance to get out the illusion of the daydreaming and to see her own life with new eyes. And she does. She achieves the things that perhaps I can't. Time is the price to pay for becoming matured. Maybe 10 years is too long, but I still believe Mathilde's hardworking, dignity and her sense of responsibility are what the author really wants to show to us. So maybe our focus should not be on “that night”, but on the “10 years”. When the outbeauty fades out in the stream of time, what lies underneath can been figured out. I think I have learnt something from this brave lady. I will have more courage to face the problems or mistakes in my life. I like this character very much for she is so real and she gives me courage.
Finally, when do we use the word “poor”?
Well, to me…I use it on the person who escapes from his responsibility; I use it on the person that regards himself the center of the world; I use it on the person who blames all the misfortune to the God and never think of changing it by his own hands. I do not use this word on the person who works hard; I do not use this word on the person who makes mistakes but willing to correct them; so I do not use this word on Mathilde.
She is not God, but just a girl who needs time to grow up.