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Essay on Role of a mother in a life
Essay on moral leadership
Essay on Role of a mother in a life
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Early nineteenth century childhood readings focused on the importance of moral lessons, as this document aims to teach children the importance of obeying their parents’ commands. George Washington and his mother are examples of morality in the forms of honesty and forgiveness, which symbolizes the significant give and take expected in child rearing. This document portrays the relationship as one of discipline, shown through teaching the child through morality, along with the significance which mothers maintained during child rearing, while nevertheless ignoring the biases of race, religion, and socioeconomic status.
Viewed as a moral figure, George Washington is an honest and pious child, one who knows when to admit he is wrong despite the consequences. Yet as Washington coaxed his friends into mounting him onto the horse, he had no idea that he would be uttering the
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Washington served as an example for child rearing across early nineteenth century literature through her decisive and severe outlook of her child. Deemed to be an affectionate parent, she did not exempt foolishness without reconciliation in order to maintain her image as an authority figure to her children (The Life of George Washington, 178). This ability to force George into respecting her did not stray away and cause a lack of love, but a mutual understanding of the necessity to obey her commands. Amongst George’s friends, they viewed his mother with the presence of being stern, though she maintained a kindness they were aware of (The Life of George Washington, 178). Painting such a vivid picture of the expectations of a mother, these examples highlighted throughout the literature in what was to become a symbol for motherhood. Her ability to repeat her questions, such as when asking about her horse to George and his friends, shows the stern attitude she carried to the children, presenting her dominance and importance that they must answer her with respect (The Life of George Washington,
“… no ordinary man. He had a quick, inquiring mind and uncommon resolve. He was extremely hardworking, forthright, good-natured, and a born leader. His commitment to the Glorious Cause of America, as it was called, was total. And if his youth was obvious, the Gl...
...didn’t over step his authority or attempt to subvert the army for his own purposes. Instead, George Washington sets the example of the military commander who was subservient to civilian political leadership. He also showed patience and coolness in the face of adversity. On many occasions in the book, the author cites Washington’s expressions of doubt and fears of failure, yet Washington never showed fear or doubt in action in front of his troops.
In his book, An Imperfect God, Henry Wiencek argues in favor of Washington being the first true president to set the precedent for the emancipation of African-American slaves. Wiencek delves into the evil paradox of how a nation conceived on the principles of liberty and dedicated to the statement that all men are created equal was in a state that still preserved slavery for over seven decades following the construction of the nation. Washington’s grandeur estate at Mount Vernon at its peak had the upkeep of over 300 slaves 126 of which were owned by Washington. First, it must be understood that Washington was raised on slavery receiving ownership of 10 slaves at the age of 11 years old and that Washington was a man of his time. However, it must also be understood that Washington’s business with slavery was in the context of a constrained social and political environment. Weincek maintains that this does not exonerate the fact that Washington maintained slavery however; it does help to quantify the moral shortcoming by which Washington carried until his last year of life.
Washington was the embodiment of everything fine in the American character. He had no delusions of grandeur and was second only to Benjamin Franklin as a diplomat with the French. In caring fo...
"His mind was great and powerful, without being of the very first order; his penetration strong . . . Perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once decided, going through with his purpose, whatever obstacles opposed." (Thomas Jefferson, as cited in "George Washington," 2006, para.19) George Washington is one of the most recognized and famous leaders in all history of the United States of America. He contributed greatly to the establishment of this prosperous country, from leading the Revolutionary armies into battle, to running the country as the first president, Washington has set precedence and example for all who have and are yet to follow. He was a noble man who demonstrated characteristics one would expect from a hero figure. He was not power-hungry, but did things and played his role for the good of the country, for patriotic purposes, to help America become the success it is today. In March of 1783, the soldiers of the American military were restless, bored and in a terrible state of doubt and distrust concerning the newly formed congress of the country. When these soldiers joined the army, they were promised a certain amount of money according to their service, but by the war's end, congress was nearly broke and not in a position to pay them all they had earned. The soldiers planned a rebellion against congress for their unjust treatment, and attempted to hold an unauthorized meeting of the officers on the matter. Washington forbade the meeting, but called for one a few days later, in which he gave his speech concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy ("The Rise and Fall," 2006, para.2). General Washington was a highly respected man among his peers, soldiers, and fellow men. His opinions, approval, and presence alone were enough to validate many plans, documents, and meetings throughout his life, so it is no wonder that even simple words or acts performed by General Washington were respected, and more often than not, taken to heart by his audience; perhaps this is why it may seem surprising that one of the most important speeches he ever gave fell on relatively deaf ears, leaving the audience hesitant, confused, seemingly unaffected by his powerful use of diction, and emotional appeal.
Thinking no one was around to hear him express his inner thoughts, Washington speaks freely about how illogical slavery is. Animals are freer than humans in slavery will ever be. He makes the point that animals, who are inferior to humans, have a better life than some people do, because they are at least free to do what they want. It does not make sense that a being that is supposedly second-rank in every way to another could possibly be superior. Nature affirms Washington 's identity as a man, it is not biased or entrapped by society. Towards the end of this soliloquy, he realizes the severity of the wrongness of
As President, grant had difficulty in making wise judgements. He was a man who tried, in most ways; to be honest, but still found himself in association to dishonest acts.
He suffered from stage fright and often “blushed and faltered”, (18) even at his inauguration as President, “he trembled and several times could scarce make out to read his speech” (18) This weakness of his is often glossed over as it doesn’t seem to fit in with his image as the towering, imposing “founding father”. Yet today, it is essential for a President to be able to deliver impressive and clear speeches to the whole country. Finally there are some criticisms that he was not as effective General as is often believed. Thomas Paine claimed that he was a bad general whose strategy consisted of “doing nothing” (19). Although Paine had a personal agenda in condemning George Washington as he resented not being appointed Postmaster-General, and then later by not being rescued from French persecution by the government, it is true that George Washington did lose more battles than he won (20) and often did seem to do nothing for long periods of time. There is also the issue of his harsh treatment towards his own soldiers, any who were caught deserting or plundering were “flogged” (21) and he even a “Gallows near forty feet high erected” to terrify the rest into obedience.
With a new nation facing overwhelming difficulties, George Washington faced the challenges of being the first president to run, shape, and build the foundations of the newly formed United States. Washington came into office with the country in heavy debt, and an empty treasury. With the issues President George Washington was facing, he proved to be a paragon leader.
The industrialization of the nineteenth century was a tremendous social change in which Britain initially took the lead on. This meant for the middle class a new opening for change which has been continuing on for generations. Sex and gender roles have become one of the main focuses for many people in this Victorian period. Sarah Stickney Ellis was a writer who argued that it was the religious duty of women to improve society. Ellis felt domestic duties were not the only duties women should be focusing on and thus wrote a book entitled “The Women of England.” The primary document of Sarah Stickney Ellis’s “The Women of England” examines how a change in attitude is greatly needed for the way women were perceived during the nineteenth century. Today women have the freedom to have an education, and make their own career choice. She discusses a range of topics to help her female readers to cultivate their “highest attributes” as pillars of family life#. While looking at Sarah Stickney Ellis as a writer and by also looking at women of the nineteenth century, we will be able to understand the duties of women throughout this century. Throughout this paper I will discuss the duties which Ellis refers to and why she wanted a great change.
Columbia University, Press. "George Washington." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition (2013): 1-3. History Reference Center. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.
George Washington is best known as the "Father of our Country." He cared for this country much like a parent would care for a child. During his presidency, he solved many noteworthy problems. His achievements led to a democratic, wonderful country we like to call The United States of America. Although he’s not thought of as glamorous, George Washington is looked upon with the utmost respect and awe by all countries of the world. George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732. He was the oldest son of a Virginia farmer. Washington received most of his education at home. When he was 17 he was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. In 1752 Washington inherited Mount Vernon, in Fairfax County. The same year he was appointed adjutant of the southern district of Virginia, a full-time salaried appointment, carrying the rank of major. He wanted to eventually secure a commission in the regular British army. In 1753, Virginia was alarmed when a French expedition from Canada established posts on the headwaters of the Ohio River. Conflict over this area eventually erupted into the French and Indian War, in which Washington played a major military role that established his reputation as a commander. In the fall of 1758 the French were defeated. In 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy young widow. Washington matured into a solid member of Virginia society. From 1759 to 1774 he served in the House of Burgesses. By...
Unlike Obama, George Washington told the Congress it was too much for the president to change partisan polarization which is the cases in which an individual's stance on a given issue, policy, or person is more likely to be strictly defined by their identification with a particular political party. Washington's speech was for the citizens of the Congress. Additionally, his speech talked more about fairness and how there should be no no separate views or local prejejuices. The fourth paragraph states, “There are similar bonds between duty and advantage, and between an honest and generous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and happiness.” This quote explains what honesty and fairness does in his eyes. George Washington goes on more about never giving up and controlling the country in a positive way. Washington talks about how proud he would be to lead this country and he will be president with no reward because he loved it so much. He states in his last paragraph, “I was first honored with a call into the Service of my Country, then on the eve of a difficult struggle for its liberties, the way in which I contemplated my duty required that I should refuse any financial payment. I have in no way changed my determination about this. And as I still have the same point of view which produced this
Philip Dormer Stanhope, Lord Chesterfield, lived in the era between 1694 and 1773. He was a British statesman who wrote a series of letters to his illegitimate son, Philip Stanhope, that were to serve as guides to good manners and success (Cannon, par. 8). These letters were never meant to be published (Cannon, par. 29). In Letters to His Son: Rules of Conduct in Polite Company, Lord Chesterfield lays out a set of rules to instruct his son on the type of behavior he should have socially. These rules are given with the intent of being a fatherly figure toward his son, yet, in this attempt to be fatherly, he separates himself from his son, Philip, by taking on the character of a teacher whose goal is to educate his son to be as clever, wise, and observant as his father is. Chesterfield takes pride in having experience with the guidance that he gives to his son and he proves himself to be an arrogant man whose tone and language display an attitude that attempts to create intimidation through formal language and authoritative tone. The formal language and authoritative tone serve to provide instruction but do not offer the love and support that is so characteristic of a how a father should behave toward his son. Philip is left with a set of rules without the intimacy needed to provide him the desire to adhere to the instruction. Nevertheless, through Chesterfield’s authoritative, experienced, and didactic tone and language, he endeavors to prove himself as a capable and knowledgeable father to his son.
In modern society, the relationship between a parent and child is an ever-changing one. Although, parents of different cultures play different roles for their children as they grow up. In a time from Elizabethan England to the late 19th century Ireland, the fifth commandment, states, “Honor thy father and mother” although, most importantly “honor thy father” was the basis of the parent-child relationship. It was a patriarchal society and the daughters in these ages were possibly the greatest victims of that time—As the famous Scottish Reformer, John Knox said, “Women in her greatest perfection was made to serve and obey men.” Furthermore, the men regarded women in these times as “the weaker sex,” both physically and emotionally. During both periods, the men were the leaders and the females were their inferiors.