Second Essay - SAT is saturday! Need advice!

lsfii2
Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:03:18 +0000

Assignment: Can success be disastrous? In an essay, support your position by discussing an example (or examples) from literature, the arts, science and technology, history, current events, or your own experience or observation.

An ancient proverb states that, “Initial success is but a stepping stone for a life of success.” Success is not always positive in the life of a human. As can be examined through the plays “Death of a Salesman,” and “Othello,” and through the life of Frank Lucas, if dealth with improperly, success can exacerbate a situation.

Arthur Miller’s scintillating play “Death of a Salesman” highlights this notion. The tragic hero in the play, Willy Lohman, falls into a state of despair when the once omnipresent success in his family runs out. Both of Willy’s son’s were blessed with astonishing talents that led them to be successful through highschool. Unfortunately, both sons when put in the real world never lived up to their promising childhoods. Willy, who lived vicariously through his sons, took the fall harder than his sons, and was driven to his eventual suicide. The initial success brought about huge expectations, and when they were not met, Willy could not cope with the situation. Another play which epitomizes this belief is

Shakespear’s, “Othello”. The most influential character in the play, Othello, had been led to his success through his gallant acts during conflict. However, this success led to a promotion in status. Once he took the position as lead officer, many people became upset that the job had been given to a “Moor.” Simply by being successful, Othello created new enemies, including the deceitful Iago. And it is Iago who eventually brings about Othello’s demise. Thus, it is evident that Othello’s situation was exacerbated due to his success.

A final example which clearly shows the negative effects of success can be seen through American Drug Lord Frank Lucas. Frank moved to NYC from North Carolina in order to bring about a better life for his family. He hooks up with the potentate of Harlem, Clarence Willilams III (aka. Bumpy Johnson) who shows him the ropes of the drug trade and who eventually leaves him his business. It is when in power that Lucas can be considered most successful; however, the success he earns leads him to persue other, more dangerous ventures in order to increase his power and wealth. In January of 1976, Frank Lucas’ luck runs out and he is indicted on charges of Federal Drug Trafficking. Thus, Lucas’ success played a disasterous role in his life.

Through “Death of a Salesman”, “Othello”, and Frank Lucas it is evident that success can be disasterous. Willy, Othello, and Frank were all led to their declines due to success. It is an idiosyncrasy of the human race to covet something that is not always beneficial, and in many times this is the case with success.