1987 AP Eng Lit Essay Question 1

                Leisure is leisure but George Eliot seems to insist that it’s gone.  Eliot insists that “Old Leisure” was better than his time (1859). It was a simple time. Eliot uses irony, personification, and contrast to point out the differences between old leisure and modern leisure.  To Eliot “even idleness is eager now-eager for amusement”.  Eliot portrays old leisure as calm.

            George Eliot portrays old leisure as calm and relaxing. He imagines it as an elder, reading newspapers, enjoys only the quiet. Eliot describes it as quiet and seems to enjoy that more than modern leisure. Eliot uses personification to fully grasp the idea of old leisure. Modern leisure is opposite to most and don’t really enjoy what Eliot has to say about the idea of old leisure.

            Eliot uses contrast to portray modern leisure. It is clear that Eliot does not like Modern leisure as opposed to old leisure. Most enjoy going out and having company, instead of sitting alone in the quiet. Some people still enjoy old leisure but not as much as modern leisure. Eliot emphasizes the importance of old leisure and her dislikes toward modern leisure.

            Eliot expresses his dislikes toward modern leisure because it doesn’t give you the meaning of leisure anymore. Modern leisure just strips away the entire meaning of leisure and it seems to disappoint Eliot. Eliot feels more people shouldn’t “follow the crowd” and enjoy a leisure you might not. If you enjoy old leisure that’s what you enjoy. Modern leisure is more upbeat while old leisure is calm and serene.

            In conclusion, George Eliot expresses his dislikes toward modern leisure. He expresses more likeness toward old leisure. Eliot seems to think that a calm and serene environment is what is really needed.  Others may disagree but it seemed to be that old leisure to Eliot is the only leisure there should be.  Eliot uses personification, irony, and contrast to portray his view on old leisure.