Self Respect can be defined as dignity. It is the attribute of being worthy of high regard or value. Possessing self-respect allows an individual to be confident and courageous. Respecting yourself is key factor in order to lead your life in accordance to your moral ethics.
In Joan Didion’s essay, On Self Respect, there are various topics discussed and explored. Although the style of her essay is very abstract and there is no proper form present, I enjoy reading her free structure as it adds an essence of individuality.
Taken from the essay, there are three major factors that significantly relate to the overall tone, which are honesty, integrity and discipline. It is clearly obvious that the majority of the work by the writer is taken from her life experience. The main obstacle that Didion faced as a young adult has greatly influenced and impacted her overall thought on self-respect. This obstacle was the acceptance into the Phi Beta Kappa society, which, I later researched to discover, is an academic honor society advocating excellence in liberal arts and sciences. From not being elected, her failure drastically discouraged her and turned her hopes away, “I lost the conviction that lights would always turn green for me….lost a certain touching faith.” From this life changing moment, her perspective vastly altered and led her to later on believe that self-respect is of great importance.
On a side note, I don’t seem to fully understand the point of the narrative about the Indians. Does this play of great importance and relate to the overall theme?
In conclusion, I believe the final statement of the essay is a strong fact that provokes meaningful thought for the reader and in a sense leaves the reader wanting more. “Without it, one eventually discovers the final turn of the screw: one runs away to find oneself, and finds no one at home?"
Unknown Vocabulary ::
· Marvel
· Phi Beta Kappa
· Ambiguous
· Platitudes
· Phenobarbital
· Interminable
· Adultery
· Donnee
· Liaison
· Coaxed
· Intrinsic
Questions to Ponder ::
1. Define self-respect, what does it mean to you as an individual?
2. What do you think Didion meant by her concluding statement, without it, one eventually discovers the final turn of the screw: one runs away to find oneself, and finds no one at home?
3. How does the story of the Indians, relate to the overall theme of self-respect?
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