Adversity Essay

Submitted By nicolestoppelli1
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Nicole Stoppelli
Mr.Whiffen
"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant." Roman poet Horace once noted, Horace's idea examines the role that adversity plays in the development of a person’s character and understanding through situations and bad problems. In times of trouble, when adversities are faced, ones true character is revealed. As Horace said, prosperous circumstances do not elicit the same talents that times of struggles do. During these particular hard times, the true scope and depth of human nature is revealed. Adversity plays a large role on developing a person’s character. Adversities are ultimately inevitable in life. When these problems come about, individuals are generally in shock at the response to such difficult situations. The adversity becomes a wall that is unable to be broken down, as usually there ability to respond has been dormant during prosperous circumstances. However, there is a point in an individual where their instincts reveal the truth, "what does not kill me makes me stronger." Qualities and characteristics of individuals are revealed during hard times that would never otherwise be seen as capable during good times. These talents, that are usually locked up give the ability for an individual to break down the wall that the adversity created. In this sense, a individuals true character and nature is revealed and comes to a new understanding of the capability of human nature and the ability to overcome adversities. In John Steinbecks "Grapes of Wrath", the human response to challenges is revealed through the story of the Joad family. The 1930's dust bowl and simultaneously the Great Depression brought about a great time of suffering for numerous individuals. For the Joad family, life was stationed in Oklahoma where the dust bowl caused their farms produce to be depleted and so they moved towards the west. For the Joads and other families, starvation, death, and poverty were the circumstances in which they lived under proved constant adversities. Steinbeck illustrates the struggles, which seem to be never ceasing in the story; the constant breaking down of the old truck, the death of the older generation, the low wages for strenuous work, and the incomprehensible living conditions.

Each chapter brings out a new hurdle in which the Joad family must face, but through each struggle face there is a sense of hope as no one gives up. The Joad's face a misfortune that they never thought fathomable. But due to this, they knew that change had to happen for their family's survival. With various accountancies of adversity such as economic failure and widespread famine, the Joad's came face to face with their problem. But to allow themselves to become affected by despair, doubt, and fear, was not an option. They picked themselves up, continued with their perseverance, and proved that they could make the best of their present state. The results were nothing lacking of an effort that of which combined the love and hope of family into a union. As hardship comes about one must be certain that strength, hope, and asking for the assistance of others will only aid them through to consolation once again. Adversity is a large role in a person’s character as hardships, danger and misfortunes come about. Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012 was a hardship that showed the change in people’s attitudes. As the storm came about
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