Discontent: When Morality is Forgotten
Virtue, honesty, loyalty and equality. These elements represent values that exist in American society. However these morals are undercut, as Americans become more concerned with material wealth, than with the wellbeing of others. However, the loss of these morals brings untold dissatisfaction to the populace. John Steinbeck's The Winter of Our Discontent examines the negative aspects of America's cash-crazed society, and how the acquisition of wealth does not always lead to happiness.
Ethan Allen Hawley, a man of moral convictions, finds he is caught between a romantic past of manners and respect, and a future dominated by individualism and greed. Though he exhibits the " the old-world charm" (39) of being decent and honest, he stands out in a society where corruption is normal and accepted. In his hometown, moneygrubbers such as Mr. Baker now walk the streets of a place once dominated by noble Aunt Deborahs and old Capn's. Although he hates to admit it, Ethan notices that that the people of New Baytown are more interested in earning money than the wellbeing of each other. As he sees with the treatment of the once prominent Danny Taylor, people reject those who do not comply with society's standards for wealth. Fearing that he too will be tossed aside, Ethan mutters the eternal rhetoric of Shakespeare; that "now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this son of York". (157)
Ethan speaks about a winter of discontent because he feels the jaws of a dishonest society attempting to eat away at his core values, that is honesty and integrity. When his employer, Alfio Marullo, attempts to get Ethan to save money at the expense of customers, Ethan claims he does not chisel people just to earn a profit. Marullo explains that exploiting customers is good business, for "good business is the only kind...that stays in business" (21). Marullo believes that "business is money" and that "money is not friendly" (23), to people who actually care for the customers' wellbeing. His immoral business skills are representative of society's new value set. Ethan fights against these new values by refusing to comply with Marullo's wishes. But try as he might, Ethan cannot escape, even in the comfort of his own home. There his restless wife and children pine for the comforts of wealth and luxury, which Ethan's meager salary cannot provide. He reminds his family that "money does not change the sickness, only the symptoms" (101) and that only "money gets money" (144). Sadly, he cannot convince them that possessing more wealth will only increase their desire for it, and they continue to inquire when he will be rich. When Ethan assumes that his family's happiness depends on acquiring wealth, he forsakes his honest ways in order to make this happen. He does not suspect that this action will bring about a winter of discontent. (243)
In attempting to conform to society's new moral values, Ethan becomes even more miserable. He "trade[s] a habit of conduct and attitude for comfort and dignity" (200) in order to restore his family name, but in the process he becomes disgusted with himself.e After selling out Marullo "the wave of ill-disguised stomachs closed in again" bringing with it a sense of "desolation" (226). After learning that Marullo viewed him as a good person Ethan is riddled with guilt, and the money he now holds seems meaningless. Likewise, when he betrays Danny Taylor in order to gain an enormous fortune, Ethan is constantly haunted by guilt; one that cannot be relieved with the comforts of money. As much as he attempts to mold to society's new set of values, he is unable to leave his traditionalist ways behind. Ethan sees that his decisions lead him through "a minefield of truth" (231); one which points out how he has ruined others' lives in order to make himself rich. Disgusted, Ethan tries to rid himself from the false allure of wealth, and the bitter aftertaste that is left behind when he learns that it is impossible to stop desiring it.
It is on the verge of suicide that Ethan realizes his daughter Ellen is the cure for his terrible discontent. After finding his son, Allen engages in plagiarism, Ethan cannot believe that his prodigy would follow such immoral practices. As they too have fallen under society's immoral spell, Ethan decides that he will rid himself of his guilty feelings by taking his own life. But before he leaves his house, Ethan is confronted by his daughter, who begs him not to go because he is "not coming back" (274) to the safety of his family. However, Ethan believes that suicide is his only way out, and proceeds to his secret cavern. But as the tide rushes in, Ethan snaps back to reality when he finds the talisman that his daughter treasures, and remembers her loving touch. His daughter's love proves to Ethan that there are still decent people in the world. Understanding that the future rests in the hands of compassionate people like Ellen, Ethan struggles away from the cave knowing that his daughter needs him, "else another light might go out" (276). It is Ethan's hope that perhaps one virtuous person can make all the difference in a society gone wrong.
Steinbeck writes about how Americans of the 1960's have driven themselves into a winter of discontent because of their endless greed, and lessening of moral values. Forty years later, his message still rings true; studies show how wealthy America is not as happy as impoverished Nigeria. The higher echelons of American society concern themselves with physical looks alone, while old values such as honesty and respect have fallen by the wayside. But although The Winter of Our Discontent preaches about the problems of society, Ethan ultimately overcomes his initial disgust with the lessening of moral values, and is saved by his daughter's love. This is Steinbeck's hope that Americans can one day reverse the plague of greed and dishonesty that appears to have become the norm of society today.
Works Cited
Steinbeck, John. The Winter of Our Discontent.
New York: Penguin Books, 1961.
Analysis
This sample AP English essay is well-written; its sentences flow together and are focused. The paper's argues successfully that Ethan Allen Hawley is a good man who is forced into a tough situation. The paragraph about his work with Marullo is a good example of this argument.
The paper could be improved by delving more into detail in some areas. While there are plenty of supporting quotes, the reader gets a sense that there could be more evidence to help the paper's argument. The paper briefly glosses over Ethan's moments with Danny Taylor and his "forsaking of honest ways to help his family" - but briefly describing such episodes could add to the paper.
Unfortunately, the author probably took this step because many teachers tell students to "write as if your teacher has already read the book." While this step is meant to prevent students writing a plot summary - which in this sample literary analysis essay occurs in the paragraph about Ethan's daughter - it may prevent some students from clarifying what they are trying to explain. Sometimes a short description of an event, even just a sentence or two, can be useful both for student and teacher as it puts their argument in context of the novel. These descriptions, if kept brief, are not plot summary, but helpful concrete details.
1,044 words / 5 pages
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