"Enduring Love"

Analytical Essay # 52590

English > Analysis
Literature > English

"Enduring Love"

A review of Ian McEwan's novel, "Enduring Love".

2,459 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explores how Ian McEwan's novel, "Enduring Love", examines the fallacy of begging the question or circular reasoning. It looks at how this fallacy occurs when one infers a conclusion that, ultimately, is based on that very conclusion. It also illustrates how the narrative examination of this fallacy shows how an individual can act as an agent of his own fate, neglecting to embrace the freedom bestowed upon all humanity.

From the Paper:

"Uncertain of his own impetus to help, Rose reveals that no one "would ever know fully" the significance of the incident or their involvement. Implicit in this statement is Rose's acknowledgment of a partial understanding which he refuses to address. Rather than explore his inability to "fully" grasp the significance Rose offers a surface (albeit truthful) explanation that cannot be contended. "Superficially the answer was a balloon," says Rose, and thus admittedly abandons the metaphysical question for a physical answer. While Rose's superficial explanation is based on truthful characteristics of a balloon it commits the fallacy of begging the question. By comparing the incident to the beginning of the universe Rose deems the incident "the first step" in a chain of events. However, he can only define the initial "step" by its consequences."