Short Topics

Prompt- 40 minute timed writing

In The Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan says that she hopes her daughter will be “a beautiful little fool.”  Daisy believes that, in some cases at least, ignorance is bliss.  The contradictory attitude is the commonly-stated belief that “Knowledge is power.”  Write a carefully reasoned. persuasive essay that demonstrates which of these two ideas is the more valid.  Use specific references from you observation, reading, or experience to develop your position.

With knowledge comes power, with power comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes consequences.  Knowledge places a heavy burden upon the soul and sometimes, life would be better to live in ignorance.   While “ignorance is bliss,” I qualify that knowledge is also important.

An ignorant person is usually a happy person.  Life is simple.  They have no worries.  Life is going great.  There is rarely “harmful” knowledge to attack their utopia.  When people are younger, their parents rarely burden them with their problems.  Children who don’t hear about their parents’ marital problems are usually happier than those who do have to listen.  These children are confused and don’t understand why their world is being turned upside down.

With great knowledge comes grreat consequences.  For example, in The Great Gatsby, Daisy comes to realize that Gatsby still loves her.  However, this knowledge tears her apart, for she is married and can’t be with him.  This realization that she can’t have the one thing she wants further rips her heart.  If she was ignorant of this knowledge, she could of been having a semi-happy life.  However, the knowledge of his forbidden love weighs on her.

How many times a day do people say,” I could have lived my life without ever hearing that” ?  Many people want knowledge until they receive it.  Knowledge is extremely powerful, whether for better or worse.  Why are secret service agencies and spy networks so effective?  Why are scientists and lab workers able to produce effective medicines and hospital equipment?  They all have knowledge.  Knowledge is not only used in this way, but can also bring a person inner contentment.  Most likely, Daisy is relieved to hear from Gatsby again.  She didn’t even get to say goodbye to him all those years ago.  Her conscience was put to rest knowing he’d still been fine after so many years.  Knowledge does not only bring power, but can also bring bliss.

All in all, ignorance will most likely bring happiness, and knowledge can be shocking, but can also bring inner peace.

Grade received based on AP writing scoring- 7 out of 9