Read the prompt below. Post your first paragraph in response to the prompt. On your honor: Time yourself. No more than 11 minutes total to read, brainstorm and then post your response.
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The British novelist Fay Weldon offers his observation about happy endings.
"The writers, i do believe, who get the best and most lasting response from their readers are the writers who offer a happy ending through moral development. By a happy ending, I do not mean mere fortunate events--a marriage or a last minute rescue from death-- but some kind of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation, even with the self, even at death."
Write a carefully reasoned, persuasive essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies this assertion. Use evidence from your observation, experience, or reading to develop your position.
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ReplyDeleteHi ladies (A. Mayfield & J. Hall): Since you are done with this prompt "early" I advise you to re-read the prompt again. You have both slightly misinterpreted the prompt itself in different ways.
ReplyDeleteA mere fable, like Cinderella, does not suffice a diligent reader; it is the morality behind the author’s intent that the main character reevaluates oneself to make a beneficial change. The observations from the British novelist, Fay Weldon explains the authors, who create a moral driven book receive a lasting impression on its reader. I believe this is accurate because, as I was reading The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I couldn’t connect with the book because, the conclusion was unsatisfying by the lesson that Hester Prynne learned was unclear.
ReplyDeleteFay Weldon’s observation about happy endings is correct. It’s true, certain books that have some sort of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation do get some of the most best and lasting responses from readers. An example would be The Scarlett Letter, by Nathanial Hawthorne. His novel has a happy ending is a moral or spiritual lesson. The novel ends with the death of Dimmsdale, and the realization that sin can affect our lives, and that God will be there, looking out for you. It is believed that God sent Pearl to get Dimmsdale to confess his sin among the townspeople. This novel obviously got a lasting and great response from its readers. This book is known worldwide, and is, and was being used for generations. It’s become a classic, and it’s been taught throughout generations and lifetimes. I’m sure parents, and grandparents have read it in school. Another example would be To Kill a Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee. This book has also been known as a classic that is sure to have been taught in classrooms through the lifetimes. This book offers many moral lessons. It’s ending with Boo saving the children offer this realization that you can’t really judge someone unless you see from their point of view of things. Boo isn’t the monster that everyone talked about. He was just misunderstood.
ReplyDeleteA happy ending that everyone knows is, well as the British novelist Fay Weldon calls it, “mere fortunate events like a marriage or a last minute rescue from death.” It happens in so many books like in Cinderella; she gets married to Prince Charming at the end and she also gets rescued from her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Those types of happy endings only happen in fairytales and it should only be written in fairytales. Weldon claims a happy ending should be some kind of,” spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation.” He is correct a great story should end like that. In the scarlet letter it ended with Dimmesdale’s death. This novel kept readers on their feet, they were surprised every step of the way especially the ending. In the play “Romeo and Juliet” Romeo and Juliet did not get married at the end and they did not live happily ever after, in fact they did not live at all they both died and that’s what makes it a great play because it didn’t have a fairytale ending.
ReplyDeleteWriters who write not only to entertain but to "teach" their readers a moral or ethical issues usually receive more merit, prestige and recognition because as humans we want to know how to do what is correct in a given situation. As Fay Weldon accurately states, humans enjoy and appreciate the lessons we learn from other human beings. Even though we also enjoy fairy tale happy endings, we value literature and essays that expose the world for what it really and that teach us how not to behave because it did not work out for the writer or who the writer is writing about. Novels such as Uncle Tom's Cabin and Scarlet Letter have lasted for centuries not only because of the drama and interesting events that occur, but because of the lessons and injustices that are mentioned and exposed.More evidence that supports Weldon's claim that readers appreciate readings with ethical issues is that personally, I prefer to read something new that can teach me something such as Aesop's fable which have not only lasted centuries, but they also hold and teach moral issues and life lessons.
ReplyDeleteNo one really wants a sad ending in novels, because its to close to the reality of life. Many people read to go to this perfect place where everything is a happy ending.When I watch movies or read books, and a moral reconciliation does not take place, I feel that there is some unfinished business and no end. In to Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson was put on trial for a crime that he did not commit, and all the evidence proved his innocents. Even though he was innocent, due to his race he was proven guilty. The novel still had a moral reconciliation in the end because when Tom Robinson was killed, even in death the town knew deep down inside he was innocent.
ReplyDeleteLife itself is not easy, but hard and not all in life is happiness. As children the books often end with a happy fairy tale ending because thats what children expect. As Fay Weldon asserts, literture that leaves a lasting impression on readers is that one that contains a deeper message that teaches a moral lesson to humans. Classics have become classics for a reason because of the lesson they leave the reader. For example William Golding's Lord Of the Flies, where through seven young boys adventure on an island Golding states that all humans are savage and its rules that keep us from exposing our most darkest side. All the events that occur on the island make the reader question whether we agree with him. As a reader one learns how rules and morals affect our decions as well as how caple a human is willing to go when left way from society. Literature that is more than just words but has a deeper meaning is appreciated because readers have read and learned what the autheir intened. Novels such as A Lesson Before Dying and To Kill A Mockingbird speak of racial injustice. Both of these novels were written in the 1900's and despite that, the topic of racial injustice is still relevant as of today. The lessons behind anything is written whether it be any language or time have a moral teaching that can realte to today and that can be a reason why they have left their asting print in readers.
ReplyDeleteHappy endings do not necessarily refer to "mere fortunate events" but rather a spiritual reflection. Fay Weldon confirms that writers who get praised for their work are those who have made their readers capture some moral teachings or concepts. For example, once a Christian has finished reading the Bible,a sense of happiness builds because they are willing to be a better person, be more faithful and loyal to God based on what the writer of the Bible wrote about what a Christian "should do" to be happy. Therefore,Weldon is correct because writers are writers that will continue to be recognized if they continue to provide a reconciliation among the readers and develop a happy ending either with their own self or even death because that is what human beings desire the most: be happy and be better believers.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Fay Weldon, that writers with long lasting responses from readers are the writers who end their stories with happy endings. Happy endings are not necessarily marriage or rescue from death but through moral development. When it comes to happy endings readers tend to be more interested about how realistic the story will end up in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteA story about a wicked person who develops to become a nice person will possibly have a happy ending because that person was given a chance and opportunity to change and to be nice. As a reader, I will be more interested in this story because otherwise the wicked person could have continued to mean and never change. Then the story will not progress and it will be boring. Happy ending stories have long lasting responses from readers because most readers are not interested in reading stories that ends in sorrow. No one would want to read a story that may affect them emotionally in a negative way.
As a reader after taking my time to read a story- although the story might not have a happy ending- I would not want to be sad or sorrowful or sorry because the story turned out sad.
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ReplyDeleteIt is most certainly agreeable that a "happy ending" does offer a rather lasting impression on the reader. At the end of a story, characters often make realizations or more deeper connections or decisions that alter the way readers saw things before. They sometimes confront their enemy or their fears demonstrating the power of courage. And, how overcoming obstacles will result in freedom and/or profound happiness. Take for example The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, to conclude one of the main characters, Dimmesdale, reveals that he was a sinner to his entire village. This revelation liberates him from all the agony he had been keeping in. He finds his happy ending when Pearl finally kisses him, something she had held back from him during the entire novel. He then dies, but not before unloading all the weight off his chest. Finally at peace with himself, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the immense power that the truth possesses.
ReplyDeleteWhen beginning to read a novel, the reader expects certain things one of which is a happy ending. Fay Weldon defines a happy ending as “some kind of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation” but people adopt more the happy ending as that marriage or last minute rescue. I disagree with Weldon in that readers give a more lasting response to writers who give his definition of a happy ending. For example with the scarlet letter, I watched the movie and read the book and preferred the movie. This was not due to m preferring movies over books I love to read and don’t care much for television; it had to do more with the way it ended in the movie and in the book. In the book it ends with Dimmesdale dying as he repents and declares his sins to the people in the book he also declares his sin but he doesn’t die; he along with Hester and Pearl leave the settlement freely. I would consider watching the movie a couple dozen times more but I dread to read the book again even though it’s the same story. Because of my experience I feel Weldon’s observation is flawed in that he believes it’s the moral reconciliation and spiritual assessment which readers hold on to.
ReplyDeleteNovels and stories written by writers always try to give the reader a happy ending; but like the British novelist Fay Weldon says that not every ending shows happiness, some make us think through a moral or spiritual ending which keeps attracting readers to that particular writer. People keep using for example The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne for class readings and I enjoyed it as well even though the ending was not happy; because like Weldon said these writers give moral reconciliation. In the Scarlet Letter Hester portrays to the reader that things can turn around and nothing will be the same and that one has to learn from a particular mistake or sin in Hester's case with Dimmesdale.
ReplyDeleteMost readers love stories with happy endings. It makes the reader feel joy for how a book ended and seeing how characters were left off. Fay Weldon's quote about happy endings is very accurate. Stories that end with a spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation make stories more memorable to the reader because in order for them to find out these things they would of had to understand the story deeply. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's book the Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale goes through a moral reconciliation himself. He went against his beliefs when committing adultery with Hester Prynne. But as the story went on Dimmesdale felt guiltier each day as he kept this secret to himslef. And he realizes that Pearl is not very fond of him for keeping it a secret. He finally confess everything to the townspeople and Pearl kisses him on the lips because he finally had done the right thing. And as the book states "a spell had been broken."
ReplyDeleteHappy endings make for a good story. This is the lesson we have all probably been exposed to since fiarytales were introduced. A happy ending does not neccessarily mean a fortunate act, although I believe most readers seek for this for the sole purpose that it provides a lasting impression on the readers. Weldon is right, as she comments that the happiest of endings are those that offer moral reconciliation because as a teenager and a past fan of fairytales, I can personally say that fairytale endings are nice, but unrealistic and I would rather much see a character triumph over their self battles and teach a lesson that can possibly help me with my own situations, than ending a story with a wedding or a passionate kiss. The writers, that enable me to gain a certain lesson from their books, are good writers to me. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale ended the novel and his life through moral reconciliation, as he spoke his truth and gained the kiss from his daughter. He dies, a rather unfortunate event, but he died a happier person. Thus, leaving the readers at peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks to our society the fairy-tale ending is one of the most coveted things in our world. People want to find their perfect match and live happily ever after. Although as time has passed authors have turned in a more pessimistic endings, in the way that they their characters now have more realistic approach for life. Authors also don't always give their characters the ending that readers want or expecting. However theses authors are able to teach the readers a life learning lesson that can be used in the normal persons life.
ReplyDeleteFairy tales are often written to have happy endings. Readers often love a good book when the ending is just what they wanted to happen. British novelist Fay Weldon discusses that a happy ending in a story is the moral reconciliation of the story. Weldon is correct because a good storyteller will leave a person with a moral that they can use in their daily life. Weldon points out that the moral is what simply makes the story have a happy ending and that is correct because it teaches us a life lesson that we will always want to remember. For example in Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, at the end of the book Dimmesdale confesses the sin he committed to his Puritan Society and we see that Pearl kisses Dimmesdale because he finally did what she was waiting for him to do. Hawthorne adds to his novel, "a spell had been broken." It gives us the moral that adds to the happy ending to the novel.
ReplyDeleteThe observation made by Fay Weldon on a true happy ending is accurate. The truth is, when a writer has the ability to create a story that causes a reader to develop some moral or spiritual connection it tends to leave a larger and lasting impact on readers rather than the writer create some fairytale that only takes place in Disney princess stories where there is simply “a marriage or a last minute rescue from death” A famous example of this type of writing is found in the novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In this novel the happy ending is created throughout the entire novel because of the primary issue in the story. Hester and Dimmesdale both got a moral lesson out of the events that took place in the novel and the lessons were their happy endings.
ReplyDeleteA successful writer is not one who formulates "fairy tale" endings for the readers, but rather leaves a morale message behind their piece. As the British novelist Fay Weldon observed, writers receive a lasting response from their readers when they "offer a happy ending through moral development". As a teenage reader, I find novels that offer valuable lessons I can incorporate in my life a lot more useful than novels that just simply end with a "happy ending".An example of valuable endings is the Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, The Scarlet Letter, which centralizes on the act of sin. Although the novel does not have that typical "fairy-tale" ending, it serves as a lesson to humanity in regards to sin. As a moral lesson, the one who truly sinned was Chillingworth because of his evil actions of revenge. Readers tend to learn from novels that offer a message they can apply to their daily lives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Fay Weldon that the writers who get the best response from readers are the ones who give happy endings with a kind of spiritual assessment or moral reconciliation. These are the kinds of books that I enjoy reading. In the novel Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger the main character, Holden, does a lot of reckless things. However, at the end of the novel, he goes to a place where he can be helped to become a better person. This is why I think that J.D. Salinger is a good writer. Similarly, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale commits adultery with Hester. Hester is publicly punished, but Mr. Dimmesdale’s guilt is not revealed. He is still hailed as a very holy reverend. However, at the end of the novel, he confesses as he dies. I was glad when he did so because it was as if he was being purged. Hawthorne did a good job in appealing to the reader’s emotions. If the book had ended without Dimmesdale confessing, its impact would have been much less significant and I wouldn’t have considered Hawthorne as a good writer.
ReplyDeleteA writer that can leave the readers with a message containing a moral is truly successful in creating a lasting piece for the reader. I agree with Fay Weldon in which he states that a writer that leaves the reader with a spiritual reassessment and a moral reconciliation has done a good job in writing their piece. When I read books, i tend to enjoy the ones that I can relate to in some way and incorporate the moral of the story with my life. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne does a great job of ending the novel with the readers seeing how the consequences of sin heavily impacted the heart and mind of Dimmsdale. Though he did die at the end of the novel, he died a better person with a sense of relief because he was able to release the heavy burden that he was dealing with while he was alive by confessing his sin.
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ReplyDeleteStories with happy ending in addition to a resolution do receive a far better response than stories that lack a resolution or a “spontaneous” revival of the characters. Fay Weldon asserts that stories that end with a moral and offer spiritual reassessment to their audience have a long lasting effect on the readers. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Novel, The Scarlet Letter supports his assertion. The moral Hawthorne leaves his readers is the importance of staying true to yourself, despite the pressure and criticism society throws at you. Novels like The Scarlet Letter and Romeo and Juliet have been around for decades because they provide the reader with a moral lesson to take away. Slowly but surely, society is drifting away from the very clichéd, fairy tale happy endings, but are starting to value stories with situations they can learn and benefit from, while assisting them in improving their lives.
ReplyDeleteHappy endings are the way to go when it comes to a story. Fay Weldon explains that happy endings are more appreciated and remembered when there is a moral change in character. In the scarlet letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne although the town still did not except Hester in the end she learned to become stronger and supportive of her choices made in the past. Through all of thee events and punishments Hester and Pearl have gone through Hester still has made such a big change in herself to move on and live a normal life. When comparing the ending of Snow White to the Scarlet Letter most my happiness tends to come from Hesters transition in life.
ReplyDeleteFrom a little age to now, we have been bared to acknowledge that happy endings make a story itself in its own unique good way. Although when one speaks of a happy ending, they imagine Snow White awakening by a kiss from his prince, this is not the only meaning, but most authors tend to approach this type of ending since they believe it punctures a more permanent impression on the readers. The British novelist Fay Weldon’s observations are true, when she says that the happiest endings are the ones that include a lesson of morality or reconciliation, as a teenager I do enjoy reading fairytales, in which the endings are beautiful but not realistic. I would much rather read about that one character who struggles throughout, and although does not reach her goal, she is able to demonstrate a life lesson. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale stopped running away from the situation and ended the novel when he confronted the situation about Pearl, and spoke the truth to the judgmental Puritan public, and received a kiss by Pearl, showing that she forgave him. Although he dies, he died purified and peaceful. Books that are able to teach a life lesson without directly approaching it, give a different meaning and a greater significance.
ReplyDeleteThe best and most effective endings are those where the story ends on a note of contentment, major parts are tied together, and/or unknown symbols are revealed. Novelist Fay Weldon was spot on with his ideals of the effects of a happy ending the definition of “happy endings”. In the classic novel “The Scarlet Letter”, the story unfolds in a systematic way where in the end the big picture is apparent and the good prevails over the evil; the story has a happy ending. This story is so well-versed because upon its conclusion it reveals a lot of unrealized aspects of human nature and includes timeless lessons that we can all learn from, a very happy ending.
ReplyDeleteMost readers like to have a happy ending, it may not always mean the two main characters finally kissing but it can also be a character becoming stronger or learning to be a better person. As the British novelist Fay Weldon stated in his observation about happy endings, the writers who get a best reaction from readers are those who offer some kind of relief with there being a happy ending that satisfies the reader. It can be something as simple as the villain dies at the end and later it is discovered that he did a good deed before death as it can be seen in the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The ending was not the typical fairytale ending where the two lovers fight and finally end up together but more of the opposite. However, Nathaniel Hawthorne receives a strong response from readers since Hester becomes accepted in society, Dimmesdale reveals that he too was a sinner and is accepted by Pearl and Chillingworth dies but he left his will for Pearl who is not even his daughter. This is not the happy ending that can be traced in children books or in any Princess story that many of us grow up with believing that in the end life will be full of happiness. The writers who present more of a realistic ending and show that a happy ending does not always mean getting what you want receive a lasting response from readers because this can occur to anyone since everyday we are all faced with challenges that we overcome gaining a sort of happy ending from it.
ReplyDeleteMost writers often end the story with a positive ending. Fairytales are the stories where the ending is usually based on a marriage or a "happily ever after". Whether people know it or not the ending can be what makes the story sell and get the most attention from the audience. No one really wants a bad ending many believe in happy endings in life besides just stories. The ending can make a huge a effect which can set the mood high for the reader.
ReplyDeleteMany writers tend to make stories of happy endings which most readers like. They enjoy reading them since everyone likes happy endings but doesn't necessarily mean there is marriage or rescue from death as Fay Weldon stated. in "The Scarlet letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne was not a fairy tale ending it was an ending where people get accepted for themselves. Dimmsdale died and realized his sin and we saw that a sin can truly affect a person emotionally and physically. Another example is "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. In this novel the happy ending was accepting Boo which everyone was scared about but he saved lives. The moral of the ending was to not judge anyone. The endings of many books have happy endings but not all are the same which can sometimes be an experience.
ReplyDeleteBritish novelist Fay Weldon indicated that writers “who get the best and most lasting response from their readers are the writers who offer a happy ending through moral development”. This statement is undeniably true. Even though most people love a happy ending that ends with true love’s kiss, it is the happy ending that offers a moral or powerful message that is most acclaimed and resonates with readers most. In William Shakespeare’s novel Romeo and Juliet, the ending isn’t “happy” because both of the main characters commit suicide. Despite both of the protagonists dying, both of the feuding families found a way to come to put their problems behind them; moral reconciliation. This story did not have a traditional happy ending but is still one of the most praised novels of all time. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne also proves Weldon’s statement to be true; the end of the novel results in Dimmesdale dying and Hester continuing with her daily life. Hester once believed in the rules and tactic codes of the Puritan society in which she lived, but ultimately changed her perspective after she was ridiculed for committing a heinous act. Stories such as Romeo and Juliet and The Scarlet Letter allow readers to gain insight on what has happened throughout the story and allows them to connect with the story. The traditional “happy” ending doesn’t always allow one to travel beyond its sugar-coated conclusion.
ReplyDeleteBritish novelist Fay Weldon accurately observed that authors who create “happy endings” that involve an ethical epiphany of some sort generally resonates with an audience for a longer period of time than a “happy ending” that consists of “mere fortunate events”. For example, Nathaniel Hawthorne successfully created a “happy ending” in his novel The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne’s ending consisted of main character Dimmesdale’s death in addition to Hester Prynne living alone in her original home. The one of the many “moral reconciliations” of the novel is that every human being, despite social status or gender, is capable of committing sin. Although his main characters do not receive a fairytale ending, The Scarlet Letter, written in 1850, is a novel that is currently taught in schools today.
ReplyDeleteContrary to popular belief, writers have not made a promise to themselves or to their readers to provide a “happy ending.” The finale bestowed upon the story doesn’t necessarily have to satisfy the person who reads the book. If the writer chooses to provide a “happy ending” it does not have to be marked by a physical change or event, better yet, it can be a moral or spiritual change. In fact, many writers receive more recognition for providing a “happy ending” that represent these types of changes rather than those that mark some sort of physical change. This is because physical changes are often superficial and will change with time, whether for better or for worse. When one changes from an ethical standpoint they are less likely to change for the worse at a later date. A prime example of this is Aesop’s Fables, which remains a popular choice in the moral foundation of today’s children.
ReplyDeleteeveryone expects there life to have a happy ending nobody wants a bad ending. same goes for readers, when a reader is reading a story the reader automatically interprets the story in a logical way. in life all humans love happy endings so it is hoped that stories will also have happy endings. i believe that writers do not have to have a happy ending and did not promise to have a happy ending because in life the ending isnt always happy sometimes its sad. it is not everybody that when it is almost time for their death they have some type of " spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation, even with the self..." readers are different and like different things. i disagree with the fact that the authors "who get the best and most lasting response from their readers are the writers who offer a happy ending through moral development..." just because the writer gives the story a happy ending does not mean that reader will like it or comment on it more than the book with a sad ending.
ReplyDeleteFrom a very young age, people are usually exposed to fairy tales and stories with happy endings. Happy endings make people happy. All little girls wanted to be a princess saved by their on prince charming and, in theory, as females, still do. Even in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, there was an emotional ending that ended up being positive for their society. The death of Dimmesdale ultimately removed the evil and negative energy. Usually a personal realization or moral compromise is what gives readers a feeling of hope and hope sells.
ReplyDeleteHappy endings are very easily found in works of literature. They are received better and resonate more deeply within the reader. As Fay Weldon states, happy endings do not only consist of “fortunate events,” like when the protagonist becomes the hero or the bad guys get caught. Happy endings consist also include lessons that need to be learned, or when the reader is still left with a sliver of hope for something better. This kind of happy ending is seen in Nathaniel Hawthorn’s novel, The Scarlet Letter. The happy endings are shown when Hester Prynne was outcast, but learned to overcome her daily torture and became stronger for it, and when Mr. Dimmesdale committed adultery and had to live with the guilt of his sin every day. When he finally confessed, he was able to die peacefully, leaving the reader with the impression that one can still find peace. Happy endings that include moral reconciliation or spiritual reassessment are the most successful because they leave readers with a lesson that they can use throughout their life and always carry with them.
ReplyDeleteEverybody likes a happy ending; the kiss that somehow awakens Snow White, the husky man that always seems to dodge death, the glass slipper that fits perfectly, a spell broken, or a marriage. Readers read books to escape reality for a moment; they look for that ‘happy ending’. However, it is not the author’s responsibility to satisfy you with the happy ending that you so often look for. British novelist Fay Weldon observed that writers receive more recognition when there is a spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation the character is less likely to change later in time. Physical changes can change again within time and do not last. For example, in The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne, Dimmesdale’s confession to his town and Pearl’s kiss both illustrate Weldon’s point of view.
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