AP Literature and Composition

LAUDABLE ENDEAVORS TThe greed of Wang’s uncle’s family causes disharmony between Wang and his uncle who “slapped [Wang] vigorously on both cheeks” and appeals to Chinese cultural principles by reprimanding Wang, “Have you no religion, no morals, that you are so lacking in filial conduct?” The uncle presses further by invoking “the Sacred Edicts” which “commanded that a man is never to correct an elder.” At these powerful words, Wang can only “[stand] sullen and immoveable, conscious of his fault” while his guilt tears him apart and forces him to restore the harmony held sacred by his ancestors. (p.63)

LESS Laudable Endeavors  The greed of Wang’s uncle’s family causes disharmony between Wang and his uncle who is ungrateful. On page 63, I believe we can see this. “Have you no religion, no morals, that you are so lacking in filial conduct?” His uncle even says, “Have you not heard it said in the the Sacred Edicts that a man is never to correct an elder?” (end of paragraph)

Laudable Endeavors  Boredom stemming from his temporary separation from the earth inspired Wang to start going to the tea house, which brought about disharmony in his relationship with O-Lan, his first wife. Although he thought he would be happy with the decision to satisfy his lustful appetites, once he took O-Lan’s pearls to give them to his concubine, his conscience started gnawing at him.

LESS Laudable Endeavors  Wang wasn’t at peace with everyone all the time he had difficult dealing with his uncle and his family and all those things.

Laudable Endeavors  Wang Lung, a Chinese farmer, endures many hardships in life, one of which is his tenuous relationship with his greedy uncle who is a “lazy, selfish, arrogant man who just takes advantage of him.” (231) Not surprisingly, the difficult uncle becomes one of the leaders of a gang, the Red Beards, which forces Wang to plan the course of action which will eventually restore harmony in his home. Along with his eldest son, he …

LESS Laudable Endeavors  I believe that Wang wasnt nice to his wife cause I guess she seemed ugly.

Stay away from the following words in formal writing: Good, bad, happy, sadStuff, thing, thingy Everything, everyone, everybody, anyone, anything People (unless NATION) YouAwesome, cool, wonderful, great, amazing, great, nice Basically, actuallyReally

Reporting Verbs  When using reported speech, most students learn to use "say" and "tell":  Examples:  John told me he was going to stay late at work. Peter said he wanted to visit his parents that weekend.  These forms are perfectly correct for reporting what others have said. However, there are a number of other reporting verbs which can more accurately describe what someone has said.

Reporting Verbs  advise encourage invite remind warn  agree decide offer promise refuse threaten  admit agree decide deny explain insist promise recommend suggest  reprimand deny recommend suggest accuse blame congratulate apologize insist inform express