People Deserve Second Chances in English Literature
People are given second opportunities so they can undo their previous actions and become better people. They are provided after the first action has been tested and it has been determined that it needs to be corrected. People deserve second chances so they can make up for their past transgressions and enable for a better outcome. Various characters and their positions are featured in fictional and nonfictional narratives in English literature. Characters grow throughout the course of the story, and at one time they need a second chance to consider their choices. Characters are guaranteed second chances in literature, which is one of the places where they can get them. The paper is, therefore, based on the argument that all English literature is about the second chances. The argument in the essay is grounded in English literature materials namely; course texts like Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and School of Scandal by Richard Brinsley.
Literature Embraces Second Chance for Forgiveness and Transformation
Literature embraces second chance to allow for practice of forgiveness and transformation of characters. Since the aim of the work of art is presenting and developing characters, some make choices in life which they later regret and always possess wishful thinking for a second chance. For instance, Allworthy, the main character in Tom Jones novel by Fielding laments having disowned Tom due to the influences from Blifil who wants his son to inherit Allworthy property rather than Tom.
Allworthy's regrets for having sent Tom away, makes him prepare for a journey to London to look for him and beg for forgiveness. In prison he says, "I have treated him cruelly though he is my nephew" (Fielding 38) referring to Tom whom he requested for forgiveness and was given a second chance, he promises only good deeds to his nephew.
The Exercise of Kindness and Mercy in English Literature
English literature aims at restoring peace as it advocates for kindness and mercy. Those who are willing to drop their past feelings towards the other characters get granted second chance to exercise their kind nature. Alternatively even with the opportunity, one may fail to show their different side For example, the play School of Scandal by Richard, it is quoted, "To pity without the power to relieve is still more painful than to ask and be denied."(Sheridan 192) The saying is in regards to some characters who have the chance to exercise their kindness but are swayed away from it. Joseph, a character refuses to give money to Sir Oliver who has disguised himself as Joseph's poor relative. This quotation presents Joseph as trying to spin the situation as if it is quite difficult but simply does not want to give money for kind deeds. Joseph's failure at the present can cause him seek second chance to help where he did not realize the importance.
Second Chances for Happiness and Fulfillment of Dreams
Conversely, second chance gives room for happiness and fulfillment of dreams. As the work of art develops, some characters may get barred from achieving their dreams and instead receive mistreatment and neglect from those dear to them. The situation that Tom and Sophie find themselves in as depicted in Tom Jones Henry Fielding is similar to the above case. The two loved each other, but the relatives could not agree to their relationship due to some barriers. For instance, Sophie's mother says, "You must marry Bilfil who is rich and wealth."(Fielding 36). Tom is denied affection right as he is poor and with no parental identity. At last, the two are granted a second chance of becoming lovers, and they perfect it to the extent of wedding preparation as it is quoted, "we will have a wedding tomorrow..."(Fielding 38).
Correction of Mistakes through Second Chances
Second chances offer an excellent opportunity for correction of mistakes made earlier. Since English literature comprises of characters assuming human traits, errors are prone to characters interacting and sharing their views and ideas. For such characters, if they get accorded second chance within the literary act, they remain united once more as they can correct their mistakes. A situation where Estella in Charles Dickens novel, Great Expectations, moves in with Drummle is termed as a mistake by Pip who was eyeing Estella. Later when Estella is given a second chance to choose a marriage partner, she holds pips hand and promises a change in their marriage. The correction that Estella is to make determines their happiness, and extended stay in marriage as Pip concludes, "No shadow of another parting from her." (p864).
Themes Developed through Second Chances
Importantly second chance builds English literature as it continues various themes within the work of literature. For example, reconciliation and repentance as themes are more evident in literary works where second chances have been allowed to the characters. Dickens literary novel Great Expectations features Miss Havisham who repents after realizing she had lived meaningless life all through. She says, "What have I done! What have I done?" (Dickens 536), which shows her desperation for a wasted life thus ready to repent and start a meaningful life if she will be allowed a second chance.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, English literature revolves around characters who want to live a transformed life after realizing that something is wrong. For them to change whatever they yearn for; second chance must be granted to them as discussed in some of the literature materials above. Second chance in literature defines the completion of themes developed in work hence a must for consideration.
Works Cited
Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. USA: Washington Square Press, 1881. Print.
Fielding, Henry. Tom Jones, Volume 1. UK: Derby, 1861. Print.
Sheridan, Richard Brinsley. The school for scandal. Vol. 85. Oxford: H. Altemus, 1899. Print.
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