Humanities Homework Help

DEAR BOY, Bath, October the 4th, O. S. 1746.

Though I employ so much of my time in writing to you, I confess I have often my doubts whether it is to any purpose. I know how unwelcome advice generally is; I know that those who want it most like it and follow it least; and I know, too, that the advice of parents, more particularly, is ascribed to the moroseness, the imperiousness, or the garrulity of old age. But then, on the other hand, I flatter myself, that as your own reason (though too young as yet to suggest much to you of itself) is, however, strong enough to enable you both to judge of and receive plain truths: I flatter myself, I say, that your own reason, young as it is, must tell you, that I can have no interest but yours in the advice I give you; and that, consequently, you will at least weigh and consider it well: in which case, some of it will, I hope, have its effect. Do not think that I mean to dictate as a parent; I only mean to advise as a friend, and an indulgent one too: and do not apprehend that I mean to check your pleasures; of which, on the contrary, I only desire to be the guide, not the censor. Let my experience supply your want of it, and clear your way in the progress of your youth of those thorns and briers which scratched and disfigured me in the course of mine. I do not, therefore, so much as hint to you how absolutely dependent you are upon me; that you neither have nor can have a shilling in the world but from me; and that, as I have no womanish weakness for your person, your merit must and will be the only measure of my kindness. I say, I do not hint these things to you, because I am convinced that you will act right upon more noble and generous principles; I mean, for the sake of doing right, and out of affection and gratitude to me.

I have so often recommended to you attention and application to whatever you learn, that I do not mention them now as duties, but I point them out to you as conducive, nay, absolutely necessary, to your pleasures; for can there be a greater pleasure than to be universally allowed to excel those of one’s own age and manner of life? And, consequently, can there be anything more mortifying than to be excelled by them? In this latter case, your shame and regret must be greater than anybody’s, because everybody knows the uncommon care which has been taken of your education, and the opportunities you have had of knowing more than others of your age. I do not confine the application which I recommend, singly to the view and emulation of excelling others (though that is a very sensible pleasure and a very I warrantable pride); but I mean likewise to excel in the thing itself: for, in my mind, one may as well not know a thing at all, as know it but imperfectly. To know a little of anything, gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.

The relationship between the father and son can best be described as (5 points)

reserved and scolding

cautious and consoling

affectionate and guiding

harsh and restrictive

liberal and indulgent

“But then, on the other hand, I flatter myself, that as your own reason (though too young as yet to suggest much to you of itself) is, however, strong enough to enable you both to judge of and receive plain truths: I flatter myself, I say, that your own reason, young as it is, must tell you, that I can have no interest but yours in the advice I give you; and that, consequently, you will at least weigh and consider it well: in which case, some of it will, I hope, have its effect.”

The tone of this excerpt can best be described as (5 points)

scathing and unapologetic

conciliatory and humble

sorrowful and regretful

hopeful and conversational

loving and melancholy

The letter begins by (5 points)

admonishing the recipient but later offers forgiveness

complementing the recipient but ends in a condescending tone

motivating the recipient but concludes with discouraging words

establishing the writer’s credentials but concludes with friendly advice

offering advice but later admonishes the actions of the recipient

This excerpt is taken from a letter written by a father to his son.

“I do not, therefore, so much as hint to you how absolutely dependent you are upon me; that you neither have nor can have a shilling in the world but from me; and that, as I have no womanish weakness for your person, your merit must and will be the only measure of my kindness. I say, I do not hint these things to you, because I am convinced that you will act right upon more noble and generous principles; I mean, for the sake of doing right, and out of affection and gratitude to me.”

This excerpt is ironic mainly because the writer (5 points)

inadvertently mentions the recipient’s dependence on his generosity and apologizes in advance for withdrawing monetary support

is actually dependent upon the recipient for his own welfare but attempts to excuse the fact by blaming it on his own youthful errors

claims that all young men are motivated by a desire to do what is right and those that stray from this path should be severely scolded

reveals that he is fed up with the recipient’s behavior and lack of gratitude and will no longer support him emotionally or monetarily

expects the recipient to behave for the sake of doing right but implies that good behavior is expected in exchange for monetary support

Read the following excerpt carefully before you choose your answer.

This excerpt is taken from a letter written by a father to his son.

“I do not, therefore, so much as hint to you how absolutely dependent you are upon me; that you neither have nor can have a shilling in the world but from me; and that, as I have no womanish weakness for your person, your merit must and will be the only measure of my kindness. I say, I do not hint these things to you, because I am convinced that you will act right upon more noble and generous principles; I mean, for the sake of doing right, and out of affection and gratitude to me.”

Which of the following best summarizes the message of this excerpt? (5 points)

The writer is skeptical of the recipient’s willingness to express gratitude and become more independent.

The recipient does not owe a debt to the writer and should continue accepting the writer’s support.

The recipient should question the writer’s sincerity due to his lack of support and paternal compassion.

The writer believes the recipient will be motivated by his father’s generosity and a desire to do right.

The writer is proud of the recipient’s newly discovered independence and encourages him on this path.