1987 AP English Exam – Essay Question #1

                With every year that passes, life seems to get busier and busier. The simple everyday tasks seem to layer on more and more and the days go on. George Eliot believes that the idea of leisure has lost its place in her day to day society. By comparing her society to “old leisure” she attempts to convey that innovation is not necessarily ideal. On one hand, Eliot describes the peaceful life of the “old leisure” past and on the other, the modernism of her time.

George Eliot relies on the peaceful and serene side of “old leisure” to support her vision. She comments on the “pleasant seats and homesteads” and the “scenting of apricots” to draw the reader in on what she believes. The diction she uses creates a sense of desire in the reader. Even if the reader is not aware of the scene Eliot describes, they have heard of the stereotypical picture of “old leisure.” The simple leisure reveals that “old leisure” didn’t rely on complicated processes to find their happiness. And by depicting this idea of “old leisure”, Eliot accomplishes her goal of convincing the readers.

George Eliot uses salesman tactics to prove her point to the reader. In the preceding paragraph the reader saw that she described “old leisure” and simple and peaceful. And in the selection, Eliot shows only the disadvantages and negatives of her society. She uses words like “rush” and “scientific theorizing” to contrast her portrayal of “old leisure.” These examples prove that modern life is fast paced and busy and therefore leisure is not seen in her society.

In Conclusion, Eliot is able to prove her argument in favor of “old leisure.” She is able to do this through her use of diction and salesman tactics creating “old leisure” as the ideal option.