Maria Evan Lewes describes her position of a writer, and the development that comes with it. She writes of her position of writer development in response to a letter from Melusin Fay Peirce. By debunking expectations with reality, demanding persistence, and explaining her own life story, Lewes conveys what it truly takes to develop into a prestigious writer. In the second paragraph, Lewes explains how many writers assume the fame will come right after writing a piece. She argues against this claim, saying, “Exultation is a dream before achievement, and rarely comes after.” She points out that many writers think about the fame and the worship they will gain from their work, but that it rarely ever does happen. Lewes wants to make sure that Fay Pierce does not fall into this trap herself. Marian Evan Lewes continues on and describes that what truly follows a piece is rather the sense of hard work and accomplishment. Lewes wants Melusina to feel the grit and grind. She knows that once Fay Pierce realizes this, she will feel the accomplishments from her hard work, rather than the fame itself. A writer will feel the most happy from their own review of their work. Continuing her description of the development of a writer, Marian Evan Lewes wants more than anything from a young writer to persist through their young age. “ I want to tell you not to fancy yourself because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Lewes explains to Pierce that the young writers are inexperienced because they have not lived long enough to be credible. She also uses many comparisons, like comparing young writers to “unripe fruit.” By comparing these two things, Lewes makes it clear that a young writer, as they age, will become sweeter, and filled with much more, just like fruit acts when it ripens. She wants to warn Pierce that there is nothing worse than a young writer who burns up early in their career trying to gain notice. Lewes appeals to her own credibility by telling of her own struggles and stories in order to build the trust of her advice to Pierce. By telling her own stories, and warning Pierce of the struggles that many young writers have, she makes her argument clear as day, and helps Pierce understand her argument.
Fantastic thesis!!!! Love the first body paragraph, especially the commentary at the end of the first body paragraph. You have a great transition between the body paragraphs too. I can tell you are paying attention to the advice they are giving on the videos!!! And you use a great piece of evidence AND include fabulous commentary!
Finally, Lewes concludes her response to Pierce’s letter by telling her that if young writers persist through the young years, they will end up with a happy outcome. She once agains uses her credibility by explaining to Fay Pierce not to think her position in life is like that of Romolas, who was an isolated character in a novel. She makes this contrast because she wants the younger writers to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and so she makes it clear that no matter what a novel might read, reality shows it is a sweet ending. She turns the answer around to defending her case, to proving that she has so much love, explaining, “I have more than my share of love in a world where so many are pining for it.” She displays this to show the young writing community that they will have love at the end of all of this, and it may also serve to relieve them that even if they spend their whole young lives devoted to writing, they can still find love later. Through these stories, Lewes gives young writers hope that they can still have a life even after working for many years on their writing craft. Melusina Fay Pierce must have been satisfied with Marinan Evan Lewes’ response to her letter, as it gave her advice for the young writers, and what to avoid, and what to take advantage of. Lewes knows that writing as a inexperienced person is difficult, but clarifying the reality of writing, explaining the magnificent outcome of persisting, and displaying what life would be like after the many years of hard work, Lewes gives young writers a hope that they can carry with them as they go from inexperienced writers, to extremely credible scholars.
You end pretty strong too. This is one of THE MOST difficult prompts. It is old and hard to read/understand, but I think you did a GREAT job. The rhetorical situation in this one is so hard to nail down, but you managed to analyze the letter very, very well. Rhetorical situation She had a male pen name, she doesn't usually respond to letters, but this one touched her so she did, and then using her own experiences as inspiration. HOWEVER, approaching the essay they way you did, devoting time to your body paragraphs fully, was the exact right approach. I will be shocked if the prompt is this hard. This is fabulous! 1-3-1
In Marian Evan Lewis’s letter to Melusina Fay Pierce, she explains how she developed herself into a writer and gives advice to the woman on how she can also. Marian life may not be exactly like the woman imagines but she is still able to provide her some evidence on pursuing the career of writing. The explanations that are given in the letter show Melusina that it is not too late to start writing and Marian explains to her what her life looks like since she started this career. Marian begins to explain how a writer can be developed by stating that it does not matter what age you are. She says, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Many writers begin when they are too young and exhaust all of their ideas. The writer may still be able to produce stories but the ideas are dull and boring, and Marian warns, “There is nothing more dreary than the life of a writer who has early exhausted himself.” The main message that conveyed to Melusina is to not let her again affect her chances of becoming a writer. It does not matter how old she is as long as she wants to work hard for her career. Mariana relates to the woman in the struggles that she is having about longing to do something more with herself. Women during this time did not have the freedom that they do now to pursue any field that they were interested in. However, it is able to be done and if the woman has a strong desire to start her career, she can do it. To help the woman understand more about her life and what she might experience if she becomes a writer, Marian explains that there is not a lot of reward for the work of a writer. When Marian started writing she had to find a style of writing that she liked and knew she would stick to because it would be difficult to start. To explain how she felt when she first started writing, Marian says, “I began, however, by a sort of writing which had no great glory belonging to it, but which I felt certain I could do faithfully, was equivalent to the old phrase—“using the means of grace.” She explains that Melusina will second guess her work and doubt her abilities, but she will need to not give up even when there is not a lot of reward for her writing. Lastly, Mariana tells Melusina that she is very happy with her life and the things she has accomplished. By having pride in the work she produces Mariana has built a great life for herself. Lewes responded to the letter she received with details about her life that explained how she began writing and the difficulties that she experienced. By telling the reader that there is nothing holding her back besides one's own judgment, she shows how Melusina can start a career for herself.
Your first body paragraph is good. I was thinking you might talk about the rhetorical situation in there at the end! So close. In the prompt, we learn that Lewes published her work under a male pen name. That would have been a perfect thing to bring up in paragraph one!!! But you allude to it which is so, so promising Sophie!
I love your second body paragraph. I think your commentary at the end totally captures the advise that Lewes offered.
And the conclusion is good too. This is such a hard prompt!!! Just reading it and understanding it the way you did gives you a passing score! So proud of this. You are doing really, really well! 1-3-1
Women often did not encounter the same opportunities as men, especially in the 19th century. However, one woman was very successful when disguised under the male pen name, George Elliot. Marian Evan Lewes was behind it all; and in an 1866 letter to another aspiring writer, an American woman named Melusina Fay Peirce, Lewes tells of her growth to become an esteemed author. By employing honest and personal anecdotes along with bittersweet truths of reality as advice, providing a beautifully written letter to address Pierce regarding the development of a writer. Opening her letter with great gratitude, Lewes explains to Pierce that although she does not often respond to the letters, hers was exceptionally touching and required a response. She begins with a very abrupt honesty, as her writing turns from grateful to truthful within a matter of sentences. She explains to Pierce her first piece of advice. Stating, “What comes after is rather the sense of the work has been produced within one, like offspring, developing and growing by some force of which one's own life has only served as a vehicle…” Lewes tells Pierce that writing isn't something one can swiftly draw out, instead they must pull deep from within themselves, using all they have to produce something meaningful. By doing this, she provides Pierce with a stepping stone in finding her inner author. In her third paragraph, Lewes returns to a more hopeful sound, giving Pierce yet another piece of advice, only this time more encouraging. She tells Pierce, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Through this statement, she blatantly tells Pierce to not give up, no matter her age or circumstance. She appeals greatly to a sense of pathos, while lifting the spirits of a possibly frustrated Pierce. Lewes shows that she believes a writer can develop at any time, as long as they find it within themselves. In a similar fashion, Lewes explains her idea on writer development through her own stories. Though minor, her anecdotes provide even more advice, while creating a connection with Pierce as she shares some of her own struggles. “I enter into those young struggles of yours to get knowledge, into the longing you feel to do something more than domestic duties…” Lewes states, as she tells Pierce that she understands her frustration as she has been there before. Telling this about her own self crafts a sort of unspoken relationship between the two women. They share struggles in writing experience and womanhood in general. This ties into Lewes previous statement about finding the writing within yourself, as Pierces own hardships could serve as great inspiration for her writing; thus giving Pierce even more direction. Lewes also provides Pierce with a small statement regarding her own stubbornness. She states, “Before that, I was too proud and ambitious to write: I did not believe that I could do anything fine, and i did not choose to do anything of that mediocre sort…” Here Lewes reminds Pierce that it is okay to not have an award winning piece everytime she writes. She tells her in a cautionary manner to further the point that writing takes time, and to develop oneself as a writer, one must make mistakes. In brief, Lewes leaves Pierce with a wealth of knowledge, displayed through various personal anecdotes and, sometimes hard, realities, explaining her stance on the development of a writer. The two women share much of the same difficulties, so Lewes is able to connect with Pierce in a way no one else would be able to. Because of this, her thoughts and advice provide Pierce with a much deeper understanding of how to become a better writer. Just as Lewes explains that great writing comes from within, so does development.
YESSSS! You hit the rhetorical situation right at the beginning!Intro and thesis are AMAZING!
Paragraph one is great too. I love that you make a point here and then use examples from two different places. You also hit ANOThER rhetorical situation in that she doesn't respond often. That is so good. I love the phrase "Finding her inner author". Excellent use of evidence and really good commentary. The second body paragraph is well developed too. With a passage this hard, with this result, I am very, very confident about exam day for you. 1-4-1
Writing is not easy by any means, but with growth and more experience a person may grow into the skill. Melusina Fay was facing this struggle, as she was worried that she had not yet written anything when she had grown to the age of 30. To combat this worry, and hopefully receive some encouraging advice back, she wrote to Marian Evan Lewis. In 1866, Marian wrote back to her with an encouraging letter that had strong and reliable advice. By Marian, otherwise known through the pen name George Eliot, writing a thoughtful letter that included personal experience, nostalgia, and good will, she was able to give Melusina the reassurance she needed to become a successful writer. Marian opens the letter with a personal tone, which helps Melusina feel she is being directly addressed. Her first line writes “ My dear Madam”, which gives a personal feeling while also being respectful. By giving Melusina this respect, it helps establish the writers ethos. Beyond giving her respect, Marian also makes the letter feel more personal by giving real life experiences. She writes “ I have never known perfect health, and I have known what it is to have close ties making me feel the wants of others as my own”. This line addresses Melusina’s problems of putting the expectations of others onto herself. She does not have to become a writer as quickly as someone else did. It is all about putting her own needs first and growing into a great writer. While Marians issue of putting other people’s wants as her own does not directly relate to writing, it takes a similar personal issue and turns it into advice. After addressing Melusina’s problem of wanting to become a writer as soon as she can, Marian adds to her advice through to the use of nostalgia. She writes “ it is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar in them when it can be no better than thrashy, unripe fruit. This line deals with the feeling many people have as children, when they have endless creativity. Children want to write down all the ideas they have in their head, but their minds aren’t yet ready. They must take time to develop their technical skills, as well as developing their experiences. While Melusina is certainly not a child, she may be at the same stage where she is just not ready to begin writing because she has not given her self time to gain new experiences. She also writes “ when we are young we say, I should be more proud if I could do that. Having done it, one finds themselves the reverse of proud.” This line shows Melusina that putting pressure on herself to accomplish her goals will not make her feel happy or proud of herself. It will be when she is truly ready and her writing comes to her at her own pace that she will feel proud. By writing this, Marian is able to further develop her argument and prove to Melusina that she needs to take her time. Finally, Marian uses eunoia at the end of the letter to establish that she has goodwill towards Melusina and wants her to succeed. In the second to last line, she writes “ I think he is more grateful to you than I am for your generous, affectionate words”. By writing this, Marian helps boost Melusina’s confidence. The words generous and affectionate are strong and show Melusina that her writing does mean something. Without this line, she may not have realized that she does have a talent for writing, it just needs to be further developed. Marian crafter a letter that gave Melsuina encouraging advice so that she could accomplish her dreams of being a writer. While the letter was not overly ambitious to tell Melsuima that she could immediately become a successful writer, it helped show that with hard work she could eventually grow into one. Ultimately, the writer argued that a good writer needs time and experience to become good at her craft by giving realistic personal experience and good will towards the letters recipient.
Oh Megan! This is fantastic!!! I am very, very confident about the exam for you! You address the rhetorical situation in your introduction.
Your first paragraph is so good. YOu choose just the right evidence and your commentary is not only well developed, but is also very eloquent. You have really developed a great style this year. I like when you talk about her advice to Melusina putting her expectations on herself. In your paragraph beginning, "finally", you point out eunoia! I am so happy! And you use it and develop it correctly. Your closing is strong as well. Megan, this is so good. Congratulations! You are ready for this exam! 1-4-1
Writing can be a gateway to so many beautiful things, yet striving for perfection in the area can hide those opportunities behind a veil. This author strayed from her typical priorities to help another writer break through this veil, a writer that she saw herself in. By establishing an understanding tone and embedding a feeling of personal connection in her writing, Marian Evan Lewes reassures Pierce that the development of a writer is not a process that can fit in a box, but rather must grow and flourish in a particular way for each author. Lewes displays her understanding of Pierce’s situation with a handful of rhetorical tactics. Right from the opening, the diction she uses is endearing. For example, she begins with words and phrases like, “My dear Madam... so deeply touched... tenderness…” She makes it very clear that she values the ideas of her audience, and wants to take time out of her schedule to address them. By making sure Pierce feels her thoughts are being heard, and that she is finally understood, she increases her credibility in her audience’s eyes, drawing Pierce in to the rest of her message. A second way she shows the way she cares is by creating emotional appeal by referencing aspects outside of writing that may be causing similar anxiety. At the beginning of the third paragraph, Lewes writes, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or regret that you have not yet written anything.” By placing a less relevant part of Pierce’s life next to the main idea of the letter, Lewes establishes the fact that she cares about Pierce as a person and understands her struggles. This is not just a mechanical “How to Write Better” paper, it effectively conveys her message that personal development is the key to success in writing. Marian Lewes deepens the importance of personal growth by establishing her own connection with the recipient of her letter. The most striking way in through her use of anecdotes. They are all throughout the letter, but one particularly effective one was, “I did not believe I could do anything fine, and I did not choose to do anything of that mediocre sort which I despised when it was done by others.” Words like this, in combination with stories about her husband and life at home, make it clear to Pierce that Lewes knows exactly how she is feeling. By tapping into this shared struggle, and ending up a successful author, Lewes makes her message that Pierce should trust the process incredibly convincing. A second, more subtle way that Lewes created this connection was through use of a rhetorical question. At the end of the second paragraph, she inquires, “Does this seem melancholy?” While clearly she will not receive a response from Pierce, this makes the letter much more conversational. Lewes makes herself a friend, not a critic. Despite the ocean separating the two women, Lewes was able to use these techniques in her writing to create a strong bond between them. Despite her busy schedule, Marian Evan Lewes wrote a beautiful letter to a struggling American writer. Her ability to convey a tone of understanding and create a personal connection through just her words were effective in convincing her audience to persevere in her efforts. These perfect applications of rhetorical strategies gave hope to a struggling writer, which is exactly the effect that Lewes wanted her message to have.
Oh my stars! Look at your introduction! I am so proud and excited! Also with the diction, referring to it as endearing is smart, and you support that. I had not thought of it that way, but you are right, she reels her in. Then she kind of gets boss y and that gives you the chance to point out her important piece of advice about personal development being the key to a successful writer. You did a great job unearthing that point. THEN, you use a great transition and go into her personal comparison. This is so good Kara.
You hit the rhetorical situation again when you mention there being an ocean in between them, and also the rarity of Lewes returning the correspondence. And this was a tough passage! You are totally ready for the exam!!!! 1-4-1
Becoming successful as a writer is in no way an easy task, especially as a young woman in the 19th century, when women did not has the same rights as men did. Despite this challenge, Marian Evan Lewes, under the pin name George Elliot, rose above and became a very successful writer. Lewes discusses her development as a writer in a letter responding to aspiring writer Melusina Fay Peirce. By sharing personal experience and honest advice, along with sharing her experience, she conducts a beautifully written letter sharing her story. To begin her letter, Lewes expresses gratitude, and expresses how she was touched by a previous letter from Pierce. By opening in this way, she is establishing a sense of trust between her and her reader, and acknowledging that she appreciates what Pierce had to say. Lewes then expresses in the third paragraph that she, along with Pierce, experienced hardships in the beginning of her writing, such as having the responsibility of household duties. She then begins to go into some of her other personal struggles when trying to become a writer. She states “I have never known perfect health, and I have known what it was to have close ties making me feel the wants of others as my own and to have very little money by which these wants could be met”. She also discusses toward the end of letter about her husband and how he wants only good things for her and supports her. By sharing these personal experiences, she is helping Pierce to see that no matter what she is facing, she will be able to find success. To help support Pierce in her development of becoming a successful writer, Lewes offers her some very honest advice. One of the major pieces of advice that is given is found in the third paragraph when Lewes states, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything. It is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar in them when it can be no better than trashy, unripe fruit,” advising Pierce to not fret her age, and not to waste good ideas while young and still so very inexperienced. Also, in the second paragraph, she compares the development of writing to the development of offspring, as well as its growth and development. The letter that Lewes wrote provided very useful information concerning the development of young, aspiring writers. The shared personal experiences and honest advice given to Pierce was excellently delivered, and was in no doubt very useful to the young writer.
Lizzy!!!! YES on that introduction! You not only deliver a great thesis, but you bring in the rhetorical situation when you mention Lewes's pen name. Beautiful!
In your first major point, you use evidence and you include commentary. She establishes trust and then shares some of her own personal hardships with writing. Those are good things to point out.
In your second major point, you talk about Lewes offering honest advice. I like your first point when you point out that not having success early on should not discourage her. The rest of that paragraph, when you discuss the comparison to offspring, the commentary needs to be developed. So, adding a sentence after the sentence ending in "growth and development" would be advisable, BUT, with limited time, you are better off adding the example than not, even if you don't have time to put in the commentary. Then, the conclusion is sufficient, but I think with more time could have been a little more direct. What advice she actually gives is important to note. We know she is giving advice, but make sure you say what the advice actually is, at least in general terms.
But Lizzy, this is a good essay on a really, really tough prompt! You are all set for exam day!!! YOu have done so well this year. 1-3-0
The nineteenth century was a time of change and a time of controversy, especially for women. Many women were discovering that there was more to life than being a housewife and that their talents deserved to be displayed just like a man’s would be. However, there were many obstacles and discouraging factors for a woman who wanted to be different during this time in history. This is displayed through a correspondence between Marian Evan Lewes, who succeeded under a male pen name, and a woman named Melusina Fay Peirce. Peirce wrote to Lewes expressing her distress at the fact that she had not begun to write in her lifetime. Using personal experience and a comforting, compassionate tone, Marian Evan Lewes was able to respond with a letter that proves the process of becoming an author is different for every person. A key to the effectiveness of her argument, as well as a large portion of the body of the letter, is Marian Evan Lewes’ own personal experiences on her journey to becoming an author. She reflects upon her growth as a writer, highlighting her experiences that prove there is no clear-cut way to become an author. One example of this is when she writes: “Exultation is a dream before achievement, and rarely comes after. What comes after, is rather the sense of the work that has been produced within one, like offspring, developing and growing by some force of which one’s own life has only served as a vehicle, and that what is left of oneself is only a poor husk.” While this excerpt may seem rather negative, it serves to break down her audience’s preconceived notions towards the illusions of conventional success and stresses that each journey is individual. This addresses Peirce’s regrets about waiting until she turned 30 years old to start her writing journey by providing personal testimony towards the illusions of conventional success. Lewes builds upon this concept by explaining why it is good that Peirce waited to begin writing, stating: “It is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar in them when it can be no better than trashy, unripe fruit. There is nothing more dreary than the life of a writer who has early exhausted himself.” This further supports Peirce’s decision to start her journey later than most. By including this personal opinion, Lewes assures Peirce that she will be in a fine place in life to start writing quality material and that she has avoided burning herself out too young.
Vivian, you totally nailed this introduction!!!! First of all, you TOTALLY impressed me by addressing the rhetorical situation! Two components of it! In a sophisticated, beautiful way.
Then, the first body paragraph! Wow. So good Vivian! Dividing it into her personal experience and how, although she uses kind of a harsh example, it is worth it! That is so, so smart.
Also, below, bringing in the tone is great! I might consider putting that one first, but you do add on to that with an example that comes later in the letter, but since it is an example you use in the first body paragraph about starting later, I think moving the second part up to the beginning might be smart. BUT you really hit all of the major points in this essay. AND it is such a difficult passage. I think if you can respond like this to an old, hard to understand passage, you are going to dominate on this exam. You are totally ready! 1-3-1
(Continued) Another essential component to Marian Evan Lewes’ argument is the comforting and compassionate tone she has created. One way she did this was through her word choice. A personalized connection can be seen immediately, as Lewes opens her letter by saying: “My dear Madam, I do not usually answer letters unless they demand an answer… But I am so deeply touched by your words of tenderness and by the details you tell me about yourself that I cannot keep total silence towards you.” This affectionate and caring opening of the letter allows the audience to connect with the writer immediately. It also promotes a sense of trust towards the writer and what is coming ahead in the letter because of the fact that Lewes hand picked this letter to respond to. Lewes builds upon this sense of trust to make her main point in the beginning of the third paragraph: “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Because of her use of personal experience and pleasant diction, the bond created between Lewes and Peirce makes this request rather influential. By proving that she is coming from both a place of personal experience and a desire for the wellbeing of her audience, Lewes is able to use tone to influence her audience. By using personal experience and creating a comforting and compassionate tone, Marian Evan Lewes was able to construct a compelling argument. She built up a sense of trust between herself and her audience so that she was able to give Melusina Fay Peirce sound advice on her writing journey. Lewes was able to prove that with steady hard work and good intentions, Peirce will be able to achieve her own personal definition of success.
Writers may not always be satisfied with their writing, but refinement is bred from encouragement, especially encouragement from qualified writers. English novelist Marian Evan Lewes wrote back to an aspiring female writer named Melusina Fay Peirce after receiving Peirce’s letter in 1866. Since she was “so deeply touched by [Peirce’s] words of tenderness and by the details [Peirce] tell [Lewes] about [Peirce], she responded to the letter. By relaying her personal anecdotes, incorporating figurative language through the use of thoughtful metaphors, and keeping her tone humble and compassionate throughout the letter, Marian Evan Lewes organizes her position that writers have to write purposefully and genuinely because writing is a process. It can be assumed through Lewes’ use of personal anecdotes that there is an emotional relationship between the author (Lewes) and reader (Peirce). Lewes candidly sympathizes with Peirce. She speaks of her own experience as a young writer, as she warns against forcing the writing process too early. Instead, she advises that Peirce should begin her writer’s with simple writing like Lewes had. This was the “sort of writing which had no great glory belonging to it”, but Lewes knew she could do it well and consistently. She discovered that honesty and simplicity develop over time and that greatness in her work is the result of humility. Even though Lewes was not satisfied in her work at the time, she wrote to fulfill her ambition, so she did so faithfully and focused on what she could do well. Her personal anecdotes are also to help her reader understand that becoming a writer is a timely method and the actual method is the most meaningful part of writing. Lewes tried to soothe Peirce’s insecurities by reminding her that her ability to write and become successful will come naturally with time. Lewes’ message is also conveyed through her utilization of figurative language, a powerful rhetorical strategy. In the second paragraph of her letter, Lewes incorporates a metaphor to compare the process of becoming a writer and pieces of writing to carrying and delivering a child. She actually uses a simile and a metaphor in the same sentence. The simile is “like offspring,” which is written after her suggested idea of what follows achievement. She compared “the sense of the work [that has] been produced in one,” with offspring that develop and grow inside a womb. Her metaphor continues this comparison by describing how this sense of work grows “by some force of which one’s own life has only served as a vehicle,”. Lewes does this to establish common ground with the woman who is reading her letter, a woman who was most likely a mother as the year was 1866. She created pathos by doing this, appealing to Peirce’s motherly side. Her metaphor vouches for her stance that a writer should put everything they have into their piece, and writing, like carrying a child, is a beautiful process to be savored rather than glorified for the result. A humble and compassionate tone is equipped throughout the letter, but heavily in the final paragraph. Without sounding too critical of herself, Lewes admits to her own flaws like her being “insensible”. Lewes wants her reader to know that she is not alone and that not only is Lewes grateful for her tender words, but Lewes’ husband is as well. She keeps herself on the same level as Peirce. Overall, Lewes is aware of the fact that Peirce is an insecure and inexperienced writer, but rather than discourage her, Lewes wants to encourage her to pursue being a writer. Lewes is able to effectively convey her message that being a writer a timely effort by being humble in her tone and compassionate through her words.
Chelsea Total! This introduction is AMAZING! Your thesis is just perfect and you discuss a major part of the rhetorical situation!
May favorite part is when you not only point out the metaphor, but you totally develop, through commentary, why this is so effective! That is just such pro move. I am so thrilled with your analysis. The part about her being humble, I love. It is short, but I think there is plenty there to get your point across! You give the example and you provide commentary. ALthough maybe not developed as much as you wanted with the time constraint, it totally works. Then, the conclusion is plenty to wrap this up. You are so ready Chelsea. You have worked really hard and it shows! 1-3-1
Women are sometimes forced to forge their own paths when the odds are stacked against them. This could not be more true for women in the 1800s, they did not even have proper human rights during this era, so using creative expression was quickly dismissed. However, when Marian Evan Lewes, who used the name George Eliot and was an established writer at the time, was contacted by an aspiring writer, she offered some advice. By sharing this advice from personal experiences in the industry, Lewes writes a helpful letter full of hope to Melusina Fay Peirce to spark inspiration and console her weariness about not writing anything yet. Lewes immediately builds her ethos by using kind diction in the beginning of her letter. Lewes, who is already an established writer, addresses a young rookie by saying, “my dear Madam.” This simple salutation, along with her kind words expressed in the next paragraph like, “I am so deeply touched by your words of tenderness,” and, “I cannot keep total silence towards you,” give the impression to the audience that Lewes is anything but stuck up or condescending. This gesture helps Lewes’ argument immensely and provides comfort to the young, aspiring writer. Lewes continues, saying that the joy of the dream precedes achieving that dream. The feeling after this dream is work that feels like it, “has been produced within one.” Lewes tells Peirce that the work you create becomes more than just writing, it is something entirely more special than that. Lewes compares the work to something like offspring, it becomes its own entity, which beautifully represents one’s hard work. However, Lewes warns that the fruit of labor does not always warrant a bright and sunny outlook, it can be hard at times. Lewes’ tone brightens in the next paragraph, she provides comfort to Peirce, telling her, “not to fancy yourself because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not written anything yet.” Lewes consoles Peirce’s worries by telling her that great writing comes with age and experience. Lewes turns Peirce’s concern around and actually informs her that she is in a good position to have not written yet. Lewes also says, “the longing you feel to do something more than domestic duties,” which refers to the time period they are in where women were used for household work. It was extremely hard, at that time, for women to escape that stereotypical box and enter themselves into a male-dominated world. Even Lewes had to assume a male pseudonym to attain her success. Lewes shares very personal accounts and appears vulnerable to her audience which secures the validity of her advice on writing. The personal details shared by Lewes break down a wall between her and Peirce, that, although Lewes is higher up in writing than Peirce, she still goes through struggles and self-doubt all the same. Lewes uses pathos to really connect with Peirce on an intimate level and share the highs and lows her writing career and the effect it has had on her life. Lewes shares one final detail, alluding to a character in a previous writing of hers, but that she need not worry and she is not in that kind of situation. This, and other personal accounts, shows a personal bond that Lewes establishes, making her advice ever more soothing to Peirce. Lewes offers advice in way that does not only appease Peirce’s problem, but offers real life experiences that also deal with not so positive outlooks. However, all of this is part of the tedious process of writing, and Lewes connecting with Peirce, woman to woman in a tough era for women, is an inspiring portrayal of perseverance. Lewes shows in her letter that the road to success takes time, but holding out for that success is well worth it.
YES!!! YOur introduction not only sets you up to write an really good analysis, it also addresses the rhetorical situation! It is so good Alex! In the first part of your analysis, I love that you point out her pleasant tone, but that you also acknowledge the shift and explain it! So good. THan you transition from tone to the message about not being too old. Alex, I'm so happy for you. I think you are exam ready!!! At the end, when you refer to the fact that she says the process is tedious, you drive home a high score on this analysis. 1-4-1
Success and fame in any field was a daunting, difficult task for 19th century women, and being a writer was no exception. This was the case with an American woman named Melusina Fay Pierce, so in 1866, she reached out in her frustration to a renowned female author of the time. The recipient of this letter, a British author named Marian Evan Lewes, responded with encouragement and hope in a letter of her own. In this letter, she employs a caring, friendly tone and appeals to ethos in order to convey her message that Pierce should push through the hardships of being a new writer, and a female one at that, and she will begin to develop and grow more as a writer. By using a friendly tone, Lewes appeals to pathos which helps her to better connect with Pierce and get her message across. She begins with this tone right out of the gate with the phrase “My dear Madam.” This warm welcome to a friendly letter would likely comfort Pierce, who originally wrote because she was feeling discouraged. Lewes continues by noting that she doesn’t usually answer letters unless they require an answer, so clearly she makes Pierce feel special because she stuck out, which is sure to comfort her. She says, “I am so deeply touched by your words of tenderness and by the details you tell me about yourself, that I cannot keep total silence towards you.” These words continue to soften the tone and make it clear that Lewes truly does care about Pierce and her growth as a writer. By saying she was deeply touched, it will convey to Pierce that Lewes really wants to help her in any way she can, which in turn will likely encourage Pierce. This tenderness towards Pierce is also shown through the various personal anecdotes that Lewes offers. For example, in the third main paragraph, Lewes speaks about how she was “too proud and ambitious to write” because she didn’t believe her writing would live up to her own standards. By sharing these stories, Lewes is able to open up to her reader, and in turn, this creates a friendlier tone that helps her reader connect with her. Aside from connecting with her reader to help deliver the message, these stories help illustrate the message itself. By sharing stories of her own development as a writer, Lewes shows Pierce that her position is no different and she too can be successful. Beyond helping her to connect and convey her message, these anecdotes are also a great appeal to Lewes’ character. For example, when Lewes used the story about how she was too proud and ambitious to write anything, it would be especially persuasive for Pierce, who can now see what a great writer she has turned out to be. Pierce can see that Lewes was once in the same rut that she is now, but despite those difficulties, Lewes still rose up and achieved success. Surely, Pierce will be encouraged that it is therefore possible for her too. This appeal to ethos is also employed at the beginning of this third paragraph, when Lewes assures Pierce that she is not too old to begin writing. From her expert perspective, Lewes writes that, “It is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar and then when it can be no better than trashy, unripe fruit.” What this means is that Lewes has seen too many times where young writers say all they have to say before they have even gained the experience as a writer to make it interesting or well written. By saying this, she is also smiling upon writers who begin at an older, wiser age, such as Pierce, so this statement would encourage her to trust the process and continue her development as a writer.
YIPPEEE! Within the first 10 lines you address the rhetorical situation from two different angles. Most of the samples, even the high scoring ones, are lucky to have addressed even one. This is a pro move!!!!! I'm so pleased with your introduction and your first major point about the tone and the pathos. The second major point you make about the use of anecdotes and then developing how that makes her an authority and in turn encourages Pierce is great! and talking about them being separated by thousands of miles ends the analysis with a nod to the rhetorical situation AGAIN. So good. 1-3-1
Ultimately, Melusina Fay Pierce is presented with a barrage of encouragement from a former struggling author who was once in the same position she was. Previously sharing similar difficulties, Lewes is able to relate to and encourage Pierce in a very unique way. By employing a caring tone and appeals to her character as a renowned writer, Lewes effectively weaves her argument about development as a writer into this friendly letter. These appeals to ethos and pathos create an encouraging message that will comfort Pierce despite the fact that they are separated by thousands of miles.
Marian Evan Lewes, under the name George Elliot, writes to Melusina Fay Peirce to provide advice and reasoning about her writing. She uses a different name because of the sexist struggles of women in her time. To be taken more seriously she uses a male’s name. She is affected by the words written to her by Peirce, and responds with truthful advice. She uses her own stories to convey her thoughts, and to establish trust in her advice. She uses her personal feelings, such as struggles with confidence and how to overcome this to relate to whom she is writing, and this makes her stories more understandable. Her tone is compassionate, and her word choice provides a solace to her harsh advice. In the letter that is written, the author uses her own stories and anecdotes to portray her experiences to Peirce. This makes her more trustworthy, and establishes her authority over the matter. By explaining her own experiences, she can be taken more seriously and proves she has experience in the matter. Lewes uses examples like never being in perfect health or never having a sufficient amount of money to show Peirce that there is no perfect time. Especially in their time period, careers like these will never be easy for women. She also reveals to Peirce that it does not help to be self deprecating. Her struggles in confidence did not provide to her success, as she never had the feeling of pride she imagined when finishing her work. She goes on to say that through appreciating what she has, a good husband, good companions, and much love in the world, she was able to get by. She says she and her husband are thankful for her generous words, and this statement is most likely made to convince Peirce she is worth what she is attempting. Lewes makes it clear in the opening sentence that she doesn’t typically respond to personal letters. She says this one deeply touched her, and she cannot leave it unanswered. This helps provide a friendly and compassionate tone to her fellow writer, who is having trouble beginning her career. She uses words and phrases such as ‘generous joy’ and ‘affection words’ in conjunction with the clarity of her opening line to be sure Peirce understands the letter was written to her out of understanding and correlation to her struggles. This letter written to one female writer to another shows the connection between two struggling novelists trying to make their place in a man’s world. Difficulties and troubles of their endeavors are shared and associated with one another's. Empathetic and tender hearted words allow Peirce to see she is not alone.
Yes Mary! YOu hit the rhetorical situation head on, right in the first sentence! AND YOU ADMIT IT IS HARSH ADVICE!!!! You are a genius! Make sure you put in some quoted text, although referring to the text is great as well. At least one or two actual quotes bumps it up a bit and is relatively easy to do. You hit the rhetorical situation again at the end, which is fabulous! 1-3-1 Totally exam ready Mary! Go for the high score. You can do it!!!! Get a lot of sleep. That will seal the deal.
Maria Evan Lewes describes her position of a writer, and the development that comes with it. She writes of her position of writer development in response to a letter from Melusin Fay Peirce. By debunking expectations with reality, demanding persistence, and explaining her own life story, Lewes conveys what it truly takes to develop into a prestigious writer.
ReplyDeleteIn the second paragraph, Lewes explains how many writers assume the fame will come right after writing a piece. She argues against this claim, saying, “Exultation is a dream before achievement, and rarely comes after.” She points out that many writers think about the fame and the worship they will gain from their work, but that it rarely ever does happen. Lewes wants to make sure that Fay Pierce does not fall into this trap herself. Marian Evan Lewes continues on and describes that what truly follows a piece is rather the sense of hard work and accomplishment. Lewes wants Melusina to feel the grit and grind. She knows that once Fay Pierce realizes this, she will feel the accomplishments from her hard work, rather than the fame itself. A writer will feel the most happy from their own review of their work.
Continuing her description of the development of a writer, Marian Evan Lewes wants more than anything from a young writer to persist through their young age. “ I want to tell you not to fancy yourself because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Lewes explains to Pierce that the young writers are inexperienced because they have not lived long enough to be credible. She also uses many comparisons, like comparing young writers to “unripe fruit.” By comparing these two things, Lewes makes it clear that a young writer, as they age, will become sweeter, and filled with much more, just like fruit acts when it ripens. She wants to warn Pierce that there is nothing worse than a young writer who burns up early in their career trying to gain notice. Lewes appeals to her own credibility by telling of her own struggles and stories in order to build the trust of her advice to Pierce. By telling her own stories, and warning Pierce of the struggles that many young writers have, she makes her argument clear as day, and helps Pierce understand her argument.
Fantastic thesis!!!! Love the first body paragraph, especially the commentary at the end of the first body paragraph. You have a great transition between the body paragraphs too. I can tell you are paying attention to the advice they are giving on the videos!!! And you use a great piece of evidence AND include fabulous commentary!
DeleteFinally, Lewes concludes her response to Pierce’s letter by telling her that if young writers persist through the young years, they will end up with a happy outcome. She once agains uses her credibility by explaining to Fay Pierce not to think her position in life is like that of Romolas, who was an isolated character in a novel. She makes this contrast because she wants the younger writers to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and so she makes it clear that no matter what a novel might read, reality shows it is a sweet ending. She turns the answer around to defending her case, to proving that she has so much love, explaining, “I have more than my share of love in a world where so many are pining for it.” She displays this to show the young writing community that they will have love at the end of all of this, and it may also serve to relieve them that even if they spend their whole young lives devoted to writing, they can still find love later. Through these stories, Lewes gives young writers hope that they can still have a life even after working for many years on their writing craft.
ReplyDeleteMelusina Fay Pierce must have been satisfied with Marinan Evan Lewes’ response to her letter, as it gave her advice for the young writers, and what to avoid, and what to take advantage of. Lewes knows that writing as a inexperienced person is difficult, but clarifying the reality of writing, explaining the magnificent outcome of persisting, and displaying what life would be like after the many years of hard work, Lewes gives young writers a hope that they can carry with them as they go from inexperienced writers, to extremely credible scholars.
You end pretty strong too. This is one of THE MOST difficult prompts. It is old and hard to read/understand, but I think you did a GREAT job. The rhetorical situation in this one is so hard to nail down, but you managed to analyze the letter very, very well.
DeleteRhetorical situation
She had a male pen name, she doesn't usually respond to letters, but this one touched her so she did, and then using her own experiences as inspiration.
HOWEVER, approaching the essay they way you did, devoting time to your body paragraphs fully, was the exact right approach. I will be shocked if the prompt is this hard. This is fabulous!
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ReplyDeleteIn Marian Evan Lewis’s letter to Melusina Fay Pierce, she explains how she developed herself into a writer and gives advice to the woman on how she can also. Marian life may not be exactly like the woman imagines but she is still able to provide her some evidence on pursuing the career of writing. The explanations that are given in the letter show Melusina that it is not too late to start writing and Marian explains to her what her life looks like since she started this career.
ReplyDeleteMarian begins to explain how a writer can be developed by stating that it does not matter what age you are. She says, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Many writers begin when they are too young and exhaust all of their ideas. The writer may still be able to produce stories but the ideas are dull and boring, and Marian warns, “There is nothing more dreary than the life of a writer who has early exhausted himself.” The main message that conveyed to Melusina is to not let her again affect her chances of becoming a writer. It does not matter how old she is as long as she wants to work hard for her career. Mariana relates to the woman in the struggles that she is having about longing to do something more with herself. Women during this time did not have the freedom that they do now to pursue any field that they were interested in. However, it is able to be done and if the woman has a strong desire to start her career, she can do it.
To help the woman understand more about her life and what she might experience if she becomes a writer, Marian explains that there is not a lot of reward for the work of a writer. When Marian started writing she had to find a style of writing that she liked and knew she would stick to because it would be difficult to start. To explain how she felt when she first started writing, Marian says, “I began, however, by a sort of writing which had no great glory belonging to it, but which I felt certain I could do faithfully, was equivalent to the old phrase—“using the means of grace.” She explains that Melusina will second guess her work and doubt her abilities, but she will need to not give up even when there is not a lot of reward for her writing. Lastly, Mariana tells Melusina that she is very happy with her life and the things she has accomplished. By having pride in the work she produces Mariana has built a great life for herself.
Lewes responded to the letter she received with details about her life that explained how she began writing and the difficulties that she experienced. By telling the reader that there is nothing holding her back besides one's own judgment, she shows how Melusina can start a career for herself.
Your first body paragraph is good. I was thinking you might talk about the rhetorical situation in there at the end! So close. In the prompt, we learn that Lewes published her work under a male pen name. That would have been a perfect thing to bring up in paragraph one!!! But you allude to it which is so, so promising Sophie!
DeleteI love your second body paragraph. I think your commentary at the end totally captures the advise that Lewes offered.
And the conclusion is good too. This is such a hard prompt!!! Just reading it and understanding it the way you did gives you a passing score! So proud of this. You are doing really, really well!
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Women often did not encounter the same opportunities as men, especially in the 19th century. However, one woman was very successful when disguised under the male pen name, George Elliot. Marian Evan Lewes was behind it all; and in an 1866 letter to another aspiring writer, an American woman named Melusina Fay Peirce, Lewes tells of her growth to become an esteemed author. By employing honest and personal anecdotes along with bittersweet truths of reality as advice, providing a beautifully written letter to address Pierce regarding the development of a writer.
ReplyDeleteOpening her letter with great gratitude, Lewes explains to Pierce that although she does not often respond to the letters, hers was exceptionally touching and required a response. She begins with a very abrupt honesty, as her writing turns from grateful to truthful within a matter of sentences. She explains to Pierce her first piece of advice. Stating, “What comes after is rather the sense of the work has been produced within one, like offspring, developing and growing by some force of which one's own life has only served as a vehicle…” Lewes tells Pierce that writing isn't something one can swiftly draw out, instead they must pull deep from within themselves, using all they have to produce something meaningful. By doing this, she provides Pierce with a stepping stone in finding her inner author. In her third paragraph, Lewes returns to a more hopeful sound, giving Pierce yet another piece of advice, only this time more encouraging. She tells Pierce, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Through this statement, she blatantly tells Pierce to not give up, no matter her age or circumstance. She appeals greatly to a sense of pathos, while lifting the spirits of a possibly frustrated Pierce. Lewes shows that she believes a writer can develop at any time, as long as they find it within themselves.
In a similar fashion, Lewes explains her idea on writer development through her own stories. Though minor, her anecdotes provide even more advice, while creating a connection with Pierce as she shares some of her own struggles. “I enter into those young struggles of yours to get knowledge, into the longing you feel to do something more than domestic duties…” Lewes states, as she tells Pierce that she understands her frustration as she has been there before. Telling this about her own self crafts a sort of unspoken relationship between the two women. They share struggles in writing experience and womanhood in general. This ties into Lewes previous statement about finding the writing within yourself, as Pierces own hardships could serve as great inspiration for her writing; thus giving Pierce even more direction. Lewes also provides Pierce with a small statement regarding her own stubbornness. She states, “Before that, I was too proud and ambitious to write: I did not believe that I could do anything fine, and i did not choose to do anything of that mediocre sort…” Here Lewes reminds Pierce that it is okay to not have an award winning piece everytime she writes. She tells her in a cautionary manner to further the point that writing takes time, and to develop oneself as a writer, one must make mistakes.
In brief, Lewes leaves Pierce with a wealth of knowledge, displayed through various personal anecdotes and, sometimes hard, realities, explaining her stance on the development of a writer. The two women share much of the same difficulties, so Lewes is able to connect with Pierce in a way no one else would be able to. Because of this, her thoughts and advice provide Pierce with a much deeper understanding of how to become a better writer. Just as Lewes explains that great writing comes from within, so does development.
YESSSS! You hit the rhetorical situation right at the beginning!Intro and thesis are AMAZING!
DeleteParagraph one is great too. I love that you make a point here and then use examples from two different places. You also hit ANOThER rhetorical situation in that she doesn't respond often. That is so good. I love the phrase "Finding her inner author".
Excellent use of evidence and really good commentary.
The second body paragraph is well developed too. With a passage this hard, with this result, I am very, very confident about exam day for you.
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Writing is not easy by any means, but with growth and more experience a person may grow into the skill. Melusina Fay was facing this struggle, as she was worried that she had not yet written anything when she had grown to the age of 30. To combat this worry, and hopefully receive some encouraging advice back, she wrote to Marian Evan Lewis. In 1866, Marian wrote back to her with an encouraging letter that had strong and reliable advice. By Marian, otherwise known through the pen name George Eliot, writing a thoughtful letter that included personal experience, nostalgia, and good will, she was able to give Melusina the reassurance she needed to become a successful writer.
ReplyDeleteMarian opens the letter with a personal tone, which helps Melusina feel she is being directly addressed. Her first line writes “ My dear Madam”, which gives a personal feeling while also being respectful. By giving Melusina this respect, it helps establish the writers ethos. Beyond giving her respect, Marian also makes the letter feel more personal by giving real life experiences. She writes “ I have never known perfect health, and I have known what it is to have close ties making me feel the wants of others as my own”. This line addresses Melusina’s problems of putting the expectations of others onto herself. She does not have to become a writer as quickly as someone else did. It is all about putting her own needs first and growing into a great writer. While Marians issue of putting other people’s wants as her own does not directly relate to writing, it takes a similar personal issue and turns it into advice.
After addressing Melusina’s problem of wanting to become a writer as soon as she can, Marian adds to her advice through to the use of nostalgia. She writes “ it is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar in them when it can be no better than thrashy, unripe fruit. This line deals with the feeling many people have as children, when they have endless creativity. Children want to write down all the ideas they have in their head, but their minds aren’t yet ready. They must take time to develop their technical skills, as well as developing their experiences. While Melusina is certainly not a child, she may be at the same stage where she is just not ready to begin writing because she has not given her self time to gain new experiences. She also writes “ when we are young we say, I should be more proud if I could do that. Having done it, one finds themselves the reverse of proud.” This line shows Melusina that putting pressure on herself to accomplish her goals will not make her feel happy or proud of herself. It will be when she is truly ready and her writing comes to her at her own pace that she will feel proud. By writing this, Marian is able to further develop her argument and prove to Melusina that she needs to take her time.
Finally, Marian uses eunoia at the end of the letter to establish that she has goodwill towards Melusina and wants her to succeed. In the second to last line, she writes “ I think he is more grateful to you than I am for your generous, affectionate words”. By writing this, Marian helps boost Melusina’s confidence. The words generous and affectionate are strong and show Melusina that her writing does mean something. Without this line, she may not have realized that she does have a talent for writing, it just needs to be further developed.
Marian crafter a letter that gave Melsuina encouraging advice so that she could accomplish her dreams of being a writer. While the letter was not overly ambitious to tell Melsuima that she could immediately become a successful writer, it helped show that with hard work she could eventually grow into one. Ultimately, the writer argued that a good writer needs time and experience to become good at her craft by giving realistic personal experience and good will towards the letters recipient.
Oh Megan! This is fantastic!!! I am very, very confident about the exam for you! You address the rhetorical situation in your introduction.
DeleteYour first paragraph is so good. YOu choose just the right evidence and your commentary is not only well developed, but is also very eloquent. You have really developed a great style this year. I like when you talk about her advice to Melusina putting her expectations on herself. In your paragraph beginning, "finally", you point out eunoia! I am so happy! And you use it and develop it correctly. Your closing is strong as well. Megan, this is so good. Congratulations! You are ready for this exam! 1-4-1
Writing can be a gateway to so many beautiful things, yet striving for perfection in the area can hide those opportunities behind a veil. This author strayed from her typical priorities to help another writer break through this veil, a writer that she saw herself in. By establishing an understanding tone and embedding a feeling of personal connection in her writing, Marian Evan Lewes reassures Pierce that the development of a writer is not a process that can fit in a box, but rather must grow and flourish in a particular way for each author.
ReplyDeleteLewes displays her understanding of Pierce’s situation with a handful of rhetorical tactics. Right from the opening, the diction she uses is endearing. For example, she begins with words and phrases like, “My dear Madam... so deeply touched... tenderness…” She makes it very clear that she values the ideas of her audience, and wants to take time out of her schedule to address them. By making sure Pierce feels her thoughts are being heard, and that she is finally understood, she increases her credibility in her audience’s eyes, drawing Pierce in to the rest of her message. A second way she shows the way she cares is by creating emotional appeal by referencing aspects outside of writing that may be causing similar anxiety. At the beginning of the third paragraph, Lewes writes, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or regret that you have not yet written anything.” By placing a less relevant part of Pierce’s life next to the main idea of the letter, Lewes establishes the fact that she cares about Pierce as a person and understands her struggles. This is not just a mechanical “How to Write Better” paper, it effectively conveys her message that personal development is the key to success in writing.
Marian Lewes deepens the importance of personal growth by establishing her own connection with the recipient of her letter. The most striking way in through her use of anecdotes. They are all throughout the letter, but one particularly effective one was, “I did not believe I could do anything fine, and I did not choose to do anything of that mediocre sort which I despised when it was done by others.” Words like this, in combination with stories about her husband and life at home, make it clear to Pierce that Lewes knows exactly how she is feeling. By tapping into this shared struggle, and ending up a successful author, Lewes makes her message that Pierce should trust the process incredibly convincing. A second, more subtle way that Lewes created this connection was through use of a rhetorical question. At the end of the second paragraph, she inquires, “Does this seem melancholy?” While clearly she will not receive a response from Pierce, this makes the letter much more conversational. Lewes makes herself a friend, not a critic. Despite the ocean separating the two women, Lewes was able to use these techniques in her writing to create a strong bond between them.
Despite her busy schedule, Marian Evan Lewes wrote a beautiful letter to a struggling American writer. Her ability to convey a tone of understanding and create a personal connection through just her words were effective in convincing her audience to persevere in her efforts. These perfect applications of rhetorical strategies gave hope to a struggling writer, which is exactly the effect that Lewes wanted her message to have.
Oh my stars! Look at your introduction! I am so proud and excited! Also with the diction, referring to it as endearing is smart, and you support that. I had not thought of it that way, but you are right, she reels her in. Then she kind of gets boss
Deletey and that gives you the chance to point out her important piece of advice about personal development being the key to a successful writer. You did a great job unearthing that point. THEN, you use a great transition and go into her personal comparison. This is so good Kara.
You hit the rhetorical situation again when you mention there being an ocean in between them, and also the rarity of Lewes returning the correspondence. And this was a tough passage! You are totally ready for the exam!!!!
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Becoming successful as a writer is in no way an easy task, especially as a young woman in the 19th century, when women did not has the same rights as men did. Despite this challenge, Marian Evan Lewes, under the pin name George Elliot, rose above and became a very successful writer. Lewes discusses her development as a writer in a letter responding to aspiring writer Melusina Fay Peirce. By sharing personal experience and honest advice, along with sharing her experience, she conducts a beautifully written letter sharing her story.
ReplyDeleteTo begin her letter, Lewes expresses gratitude, and expresses how she was touched by a previous letter from Pierce. By opening in this way, she is establishing a sense of trust between her and her reader, and acknowledging that she appreciates what Pierce had to say. Lewes then expresses in the third paragraph that she, along with Pierce, experienced hardships in the beginning of her writing, such as having the responsibility of household duties. She then begins to go into some of her other personal struggles when trying to become a writer. She states “I have never known perfect health, and I have known what it was to have close ties making me feel the wants of others as my own and to have very little money by which these wants could be met”. She also discusses toward the end of letter about her husband and how he wants only good things for her and supports her. By sharing these personal experiences, she is helping Pierce to see that no matter what she is facing, she will be able to find success.
To help support Pierce in her development of becoming a successful writer, Lewes offers her some very honest advice. One of the major pieces of advice that is given is found in the third paragraph when Lewes states, “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything. It is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar in them when it can be no better than trashy, unripe fruit,” advising Pierce to not fret her age, and not to waste good ideas while young and still so very inexperienced. Also, in the second paragraph, she compares the development of writing to the development of offspring, as well as its growth and development.
The letter that Lewes wrote provided very useful information concerning the development of young, aspiring writers. The shared personal experiences and honest advice given to Pierce was excellently delivered, and was in no doubt very useful to the young writer.
Lizzy!!!! YES on that introduction! You not only deliver a great thesis, but you bring in the rhetorical situation when you mention Lewes's pen name. Beautiful!
DeleteIn your first major point, you use evidence and you include commentary. She establishes trust and then shares some of her own personal hardships with writing. Those are good things to point out.
In your second major point, you talk about Lewes offering honest advice. I like your first point when you point out that not having success early on should not discourage her. The rest of that paragraph, when you discuss the comparison to offspring, the commentary needs to be developed. So, adding a sentence after the sentence ending in "growth and development" would be advisable, BUT, with limited time, you are better off adding the example than not, even if you don't have time to put in the commentary. Then, the conclusion is sufficient, but I think with more time could have been a little more direct. What advice she actually gives is important to note. We know she is giving advice, but make sure you say what the advice actually is, at least in general terms.
But Lizzy, this is a good essay on a really, really tough prompt! You are all set for exam day!!! YOu have done so well this year. 1-3-0
The nineteenth century was a time of change and a time of controversy, especially for women. Many women were discovering that there was more to life than being a housewife and that their talents deserved to be displayed just like a man’s would be. However, there were many obstacles and discouraging factors for a woman who wanted to be different during this time in history. This is displayed through a correspondence between Marian Evan Lewes, who succeeded under a male pen name, and a woman named Melusina Fay Peirce. Peirce wrote to Lewes expressing her distress at the fact that she had not begun to write in her lifetime. Using personal experience and a comforting, compassionate tone, Marian Evan Lewes was able to respond with a letter that proves the process of becoming an author is different for every person.
ReplyDeleteA key to the effectiveness of her argument, as well as a large portion of the body of the letter, is Marian Evan Lewes’ own personal experiences on her journey to becoming an author. She reflects upon her growth as a writer, highlighting her experiences that prove there is no clear-cut way to become an author. One example of this is when she writes: “Exultation is a dream before achievement, and rarely comes after. What comes after, is rather the sense of the work that has been produced within one, like offspring, developing and growing by some force of which one’s own life has only served as a vehicle, and that what is left of oneself is only a poor husk.” While this excerpt may seem rather negative, it serves to break down her audience’s preconceived notions towards the illusions of conventional success and stresses that each journey is individual. This addresses Peirce’s regrets about waiting until she turned 30 years old to start her writing journey by providing personal testimony towards the illusions of conventional success. Lewes builds upon this concept by explaining why it is good that Peirce waited to begin writing, stating: “It is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar in them when it can be no better than trashy, unripe fruit. There is nothing more dreary than the life of a writer who has early exhausted himself.” This further supports Peirce’s decision to start her journey later than most. By including this personal opinion, Lewes assures Peirce that she will be in a fine place in life to start writing quality material and that she has avoided burning herself out too young.
Vivian, you totally nailed this introduction!!!! First of all, you TOTALLY impressed me by addressing the rhetorical situation! Two components of it! In a sophisticated, beautiful way.
DeleteThen, the first body paragraph! Wow. So good Vivian! Dividing it into her personal experience and how, although she uses kind of a harsh example, it is worth it! That is so, so smart.
Also, below, bringing in the tone is great! I might consider putting that one first, but you do add on to that with an example that comes later in the letter, but since it is an example you use in the first body paragraph about starting later, I think moving the second part up to the beginning might be smart. BUT you really hit all of the major points in this essay. AND it is such a difficult passage. I think if you can respond like this to an old, hard to understand passage, you are going to dominate on this exam. You are totally ready!
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(Continued) Another essential component to Marian Evan Lewes’ argument is the comforting and compassionate tone she has created. One way she did this was through her word choice. A personalized connection can be seen immediately, as Lewes opens her letter by saying: “My dear Madam, I do not usually answer letters unless they demand an answer… But I am so deeply touched by your words of tenderness and by the details you tell me about yourself that I cannot keep total silence towards you.” This affectionate and caring opening of the letter allows the audience to connect with the writer immediately. It also promotes a sense of trust towards the writer and what is coming ahead in the letter because of the fact that Lewes hand picked this letter to respond to. Lewes builds upon this sense of trust to make her main point in the beginning of the third paragraph: “I want to tell you not to fancy yourself old because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not yet written anything.” Because of her use of personal experience and pleasant diction, the bond created between Lewes and Peirce makes this request rather influential. By proving that she is coming from both a place of personal experience and a desire for the wellbeing of her audience, Lewes is able to use tone to influence her audience.
ReplyDeleteBy using personal experience and creating a comforting and compassionate tone, Marian Evan Lewes was able to construct a compelling argument. She built up a sense of trust between herself and her audience so that she was able to give Melusina Fay Peirce sound advice on her writing journey. Lewes was able to prove that with steady hard work and good intentions, Peirce will be able to achieve her own personal definition of success.
Writers may not always be satisfied with their writing, but refinement is bred from encouragement, especially encouragement from qualified writers. English novelist Marian Evan Lewes wrote back to an aspiring female writer named Melusina Fay Peirce after receiving Peirce’s letter in 1866. Since she was “so deeply touched by [Peirce’s] words of tenderness and by the details [Peirce] tell [Lewes] about [Peirce], she responded to the letter. By relaying her personal anecdotes, incorporating figurative language through the use of thoughtful metaphors, and keeping her tone humble and compassionate throughout the letter, Marian Evan Lewes organizes her position that writers have to write purposefully and genuinely because writing is a process.
ReplyDeleteIt can be assumed through Lewes’ use of personal anecdotes that there is an emotional relationship between the author (Lewes) and reader (Peirce). Lewes candidly sympathizes with Peirce. She speaks of her own experience as a young writer, as she warns against forcing the writing process too early. Instead, she advises that Peirce should begin her writer’s with simple writing like Lewes had. This was the “sort of writing which had no great glory belonging to it”, but Lewes knew she could do it well and consistently. She discovered that honesty and simplicity develop over time and that greatness in her work is the result of humility. Even though Lewes was not satisfied in her work at the time, she wrote to fulfill her ambition, so she did so faithfully and focused on what she could do well. Her personal anecdotes are also to help her reader understand that becoming a writer is a timely method and the actual method is the most meaningful part of writing. Lewes tried to soothe Peirce’s insecurities by reminding her that her ability to write and become successful will come naturally with time.
Lewes’ message is also conveyed through her utilization of figurative language, a powerful rhetorical strategy. In the second paragraph of her letter, Lewes incorporates a metaphor to compare the process of becoming a writer and pieces of writing to carrying and delivering a child. She actually uses a simile and a metaphor in the same sentence. The simile is “like offspring,” which is written after her suggested idea of what follows achievement. She compared “the sense of the work [that has] been produced in one,” with offspring that develop and grow inside a womb. Her metaphor continues this comparison by describing how this sense of work grows “by some force of which one’s own life has only served as a vehicle,”. Lewes does this to establish common ground with the woman who is reading her letter, a woman who was most likely a mother as the year was 1866. She created pathos by doing this, appealing to Peirce’s motherly side. Her metaphor vouches for her stance that a writer should put everything they have into their piece, and writing, like carrying a child, is a beautiful process to be savored rather than glorified for the result.
A humble and compassionate tone is equipped throughout the letter, but heavily in the final paragraph. Without sounding too critical of herself, Lewes admits to her own flaws like her being “insensible”. Lewes wants her reader to know that she is not alone and that not only is Lewes grateful for her tender words, but Lewes’ husband is as well. She keeps herself on the same level as Peirce.
Overall, Lewes is aware of the fact that Peirce is an insecure and inexperienced writer, but rather than discourage her, Lewes wants to encourage her to pursue being a writer. Lewes is able to effectively convey her message that being a writer a timely effort by being humble in her tone and compassionate through her words.
Chelsea Total! This introduction is AMAZING! Your thesis is just perfect and you discuss a major part of the rhetorical situation!
DeleteMay favorite part is when you not only point out the metaphor, but you totally develop, through commentary, why this is so effective! That is just such pro move. I am so thrilled with your analysis. The part about her being humble, I love. It is short, but I think there is plenty there to get your point across! You give the example and you provide commentary. ALthough maybe not developed as much as you wanted with the time constraint, it totally works. Then, the conclusion is plenty to wrap this up. You are so ready Chelsea. You have worked really hard and it shows!
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Women are sometimes forced to forge their own paths when the odds are stacked against them. This could not be more true for women in the 1800s, they did not even have proper human rights during this era, so using creative expression was quickly dismissed. However, when Marian Evan Lewes, who used the name George Eliot and was an established writer at the time, was contacted by an aspiring writer, she offered some advice. By sharing this advice from personal experiences in the industry, Lewes writes a helpful letter full of hope to Melusina Fay Peirce to spark inspiration and console her weariness about not writing anything yet.
ReplyDeleteLewes immediately builds her ethos by using kind diction in the beginning of her letter. Lewes, who is already an established writer, addresses a young rookie by saying, “my dear Madam.” This simple salutation, along with her kind words expressed in the next paragraph like, “I am so deeply touched by your words of tenderness,” and, “I cannot keep total silence towards you,” give the impression to the audience that Lewes is anything but stuck up or condescending. This gesture helps Lewes’ argument immensely and provides comfort to the young, aspiring writer.
Lewes continues, saying that the joy of the dream precedes achieving that dream. The feeling after this dream is work that feels like it, “has been produced within one.” Lewes tells Peirce that the work you create becomes more than just writing, it is something entirely more special than that. Lewes compares the work to something like offspring, it becomes its own entity, which beautifully represents one’s hard work. However, Lewes warns that the fruit of labor does not always warrant a bright and sunny outlook, it can be hard at times.
Lewes’ tone brightens in the next paragraph, she provides comfort to Peirce, telling her, “not to fancy yourself because you are thirty, or to regret that you have not written anything yet.” Lewes consoles Peirce’s worries by telling her that great writing comes with age and experience. Lewes turns Peirce’s concern around and actually informs her that she is in a good position to have not written yet. Lewes also says, “the longing you feel to do something more than domestic duties,” which refers to the time period they are in where women were used for household work. It was extremely hard, at that time, for women to escape that stereotypical box and enter themselves into a male-dominated world. Even Lewes had to assume a male pseudonym to attain her success. Lewes shares very personal accounts and appears vulnerable to her audience which secures the validity of her advice on writing. The personal details shared by Lewes break down a wall between her and Peirce, that, although Lewes is higher up in writing than Peirce, she still goes through struggles and self-doubt all the same. Lewes uses pathos to really connect with Peirce on an intimate level and share the highs and lows her writing career and the effect it has had on her life.
Lewes shares one final detail, alluding to a character in a previous writing of hers, but that she need not worry and she is not in that kind of situation. This, and other personal accounts, shows a personal bond that Lewes establishes, making her advice ever more soothing to Peirce. Lewes offers advice in way that does not only appease Peirce’s problem, but offers real life experiences that also deal with not so positive outlooks. However, all of this is part of the tedious process of writing, and Lewes connecting with Peirce, woman to woman in a tough era for women, is an inspiring portrayal of perseverance. Lewes shows in her letter that the road to success takes time, but holding out for that success is well worth it.
YES!!! YOur introduction not only sets you up to write an really good analysis, it also addresses the rhetorical situation! It is so good Alex! In the first part of your analysis, I love that you point out her pleasant tone, but that you also acknowledge the shift and explain it! So good. THan you transition from tone to the message about not being too old. Alex, I'm so happy for you. I think you are exam ready!!! At the end, when you refer to the fact that she says the process is tedious, you drive home a high score on this analysis.
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Success and fame in any field was a daunting, difficult task for 19th century women, and being a writer was no exception. This was the case with an American woman named Melusina Fay Pierce, so in 1866, she reached out in her frustration to a renowned female author of the time. The recipient of this letter, a British author named Marian Evan Lewes, responded with encouragement and hope in a letter of her own. In this letter, she employs a caring, friendly tone and appeals to ethos in order to convey her message that Pierce should push through the hardships of being a new writer, and a female one at that, and she will begin to develop and grow more as a writer.
ReplyDeleteBy using a friendly tone, Lewes appeals to pathos which helps her to better connect with Pierce and get her message across. She begins with this tone right out of the gate with the phrase “My dear Madam.” This warm welcome to a friendly letter would likely comfort Pierce, who originally wrote because she was feeling discouraged. Lewes continues by noting that she doesn’t usually answer letters unless they require an answer, so clearly she makes Pierce feel special because she stuck out, which is sure to comfort her. She says, “I am so deeply touched by your words of tenderness and by the details you tell me about yourself, that I cannot keep total silence towards you.” These words continue to soften the tone and make it clear that Lewes truly does care about Pierce and her growth as a writer. By saying she was deeply touched, it will convey to Pierce that Lewes really wants to help her in any way she can, which in turn will likely encourage Pierce. This tenderness towards Pierce is also shown through the various personal anecdotes that Lewes offers. For example, in the third main paragraph, Lewes speaks about how she was “too proud and ambitious to write” because she didn’t believe her writing would live up to her own standards. By sharing these stories, Lewes is able to open up to her reader, and in turn, this creates a friendlier tone that helps her reader connect with her. Aside from connecting with her reader to help deliver the message, these stories help illustrate the message itself. By sharing stories of her own development as a writer, Lewes shows Pierce that her position is no different and she too can be successful.
Beyond helping her to connect and convey her message, these anecdotes are also a great appeal to Lewes’ character. For example, when Lewes used the story about how she was too proud and ambitious to write anything, it would be especially persuasive for Pierce, who can now see what a great writer she has turned out to be. Pierce can see that Lewes was once in the same rut that she is now, but despite those difficulties, Lewes still rose up and achieved success. Surely, Pierce will be encouraged that it is therefore possible for her too. This appeal to ethos is also employed at the beginning of this third paragraph, when Lewes assures Pierce that she is not too old to begin writing. From her expert perspective, Lewes writes that, “It is a misfortune to many that they begin to write when they are young and give out all that is genuine and peculiar and then when it can be no better than trashy, unripe fruit.” What this means is that Lewes has seen too many times where young writers say all they have to say before they have even gained the experience as a writer to make it interesting or well written. By saying this, she is also smiling upon writers who begin at an older, wiser age, such as Pierce, so this statement would encourage her to trust the process and continue her development as a writer.
YIPPEEE! Within the first 10 lines you address the rhetorical situation from two different angles. Most of the samples, even the high scoring ones, are lucky to have addressed even one. This is a pro move!!!!! I'm so pleased with your introduction and your first major point about the tone and the pathos. The second major point you make about the use of anecdotes and then developing how that makes her an authority and in turn encourages Pierce is great! and talking about them being separated by thousands of miles ends the analysis with a nod to the rhetorical situation AGAIN. So good. 1-3-1
DeleteUltimately, Melusina Fay Pierce is presented with a barrage of encouragement from a former struggling author who was once in the same position she was. Previously sharing similar difficulties, Lewes is able to relate to and encourage Pierce in a very unique way. By employing a caring tone and appeals to her character as a renowned writer, Lewes effectively weaves her argument about development as a writer into this friendly letter. These appeals to ethos and pathos create an encouraging message that will comfort Pierce despite the fact that they are separated by thousands of miles.
ReplyDeleteMarian Evan Lewes, under the name George Elliot, writes to Melusina Fay Peirce to provide advice and reasoning about her writing. She uses a different name because of the sexist struggles of women in her time. To be taken more seriously she uses a male’s name. She is affected by the words written to her by Peirce, and responds with truthful advice. She uses her own stories to convey her thoughts, and to establish trust in her advice. She uses her personal feelings, such as struggles with confidence and how to overcome this to relate to whom she is writing, and this makes her stories more understandable. Her tone is compassionate, and her word choice provides a solace to her harsh advice.
ReplyDeleteIn the letter that is written, the author uses her own stories and anecdotes to portray her experiences to Peirce. This makes her more trustworthy, and establishes her authority over the matter. By explaining her own experiences, she can be taken more seriously and proves she has experience in the matter. Lewes uses examples like never being in perfect health or never having a sufficient amount of money to show Peirce that there is no perfect time. Especially in their time period, careers like these will never be easy for women. She also reveals to Peirce that it does not help to be self deprecating. Her struggles in confidence did not provide to her success, as she never had the feeling of pride she imagined when finishing her work.
She goes on to say that through appreciating what she has, a good husband, good companions, and much love in the world, she was able to get by. She says she and her husband are thankful for her generous words, and this statement is most likely made to convince Peirce she is worth what she is attempting.
Lewes makes it clear in the opening sentence that she doesn’t typically respond to personal letters. She says this one deeply touched her, and she cannot leave it unanswered. This helps provide a friendly and compassionate tone to her fellow writer, who is having trouble beginning her career. She uses words and phrases such as ‘generous joy’ and ‘affection words’ in conjunction with the clarity of her opening line to be sure Peirce understands the letter was written to her out of understanding and correlation to her struggles.
This letter written to one female writer to another shows the connection between two struggling novelists trying to make their place in a man’s world. Difficulties and troubles of their endeavors are shared and associated with one another's. Empathetic and tender hearted words allow Peirce to see she is not alone.
Yes Mary! YOu hit the rhetorical situation head on, right in the first sentence! AND YOU ADMIT IT IS HARSH ADVICE!!!! You are a genius! Make sure you put in some quoted text, although referring to the text is great as well. At least one or two actual quotes bumps it up a bit and is relatively easy to do. You hit the rhetorical situation again at the end, which is fabulous!
ReplyDelete1-3-1 Totally exam ready Mary! Go for the high score. You can do it!!!! Get a lot of sleep. That will seal the deal.