Modern Society in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the works, "The World is Too Much With Us" written by William Wordsworth and "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" written by Mary Wollstonecraft. Specifically, it compares and contrasts the works and discusses how they related to modern culture and society. The paper looks at the style and content of the works and the context in which they were written.

From the Paper:

"For example, in today's society, women are valued most highly for their appearance and fashion, rather than their accomplishments or ideals. Think of Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, and others, who serve as poor role models because of their negative behaviors, but are popular simply because they are beautiful, they are popular, and they are wealthy enough to flaunt tradition and do exactly as they please. While they may have more opportunities in careers and other aspects of life, they are not that very different from the subjugated women Wollstonecraft is attempting to reach in her essay. In fact, she seems to be writing of these young women when she states, "Weak artificial beings, raised above the common wants and affections of their race, in a premature unnatural manner, undermine the very foundation of virtue" (Wollstonecraft 1460). She berates women for not commanding more respect or ambition. Her comments certainly apply to these young women, and many who emulate them, as they spend their lives worrying about how they look, what they wear, and who they are seen with, rather than dedicating their lives to any important project or cause."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Wollstonecraft, Mary. "From 'A Vindication of the Rights of Women'." The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Eighth Edition. Stephen Greenblatt, M.H. Abrams, editors. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. 1456-1460.
• Wordsworth, William. "The World is Too Much With Us." The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Eighth Edition. Stephen Greenblatt, M.H. Abrams, editors. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. 1484-1550.

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