Question
Writing After Discussion – Read "Amicae Aeternum" by Ellen Klages
Write an essay in response to one of the following questions:
Do you agree or disagree with Corry's father that living on the Goddard is "the adventure of a lifetime"? (p. 85)
What responsibilities and burdens do you think might come with being one of the first people to live somewhere new?
A strong essay uses in-text evidence and considers opposing viewpoints. Be sure to refer back to the text and provide in-text evidence to support your conclusion.
make it formal but still sounding like a high schooler
Write an essay in response to one of the following questions:
Do you agree or disagree with Corry's father that living on the Goddard is "the adventure of a lifetime"? (p. 85)
What responsibilities and burdens do you think might come with being one of the first people to live somewhere new?
A strong essay uses in-text evidence and considers opposing viewpoints. Be sure to refer back to the text and provide in-text evidence to support your conclusion.
make it formal but still sounding like a high schooler
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
**Exploring the Burdens and Responsibilities of Pioneering a New World in Ellen Klages’ “Amicae Aeternum”**
In Ellen Klages' compelling short story "Amicae Aeternum," the narrative revolves around the experiences of a young girl named Corry, whose father believes that living on the Goddard—a newly established space colony—is "the adventure of a lifetime" (p. 85). While one can understand the exhilaration associated with such a pioneering endeavor, I ultimately disagree with Corry's father’s perspective. Living in a new and uncharted environment brings with it an array of responsibilities and burdens that can overshadow the thrill of exploration.
One of the primary responsibilities of being among the first inhabitants of a new colony is the need to establish a functioning society. Corry and her family are not merely explorers; they are laying the groundwork for future generations. This includes creating rules, developing social structures, and fostering relationships that facilitate cooperation and survival. Throughout the story, the pressure associated with these endeavors is evident as Corry grapples with her identity in an unfamiliar environment. The novelty of living in space can be thrilling, but the weight of these responsibilities can lead to anxiety and tension among the community’s members.
Moreover, the story illustrates the emotional burdens that accompany such groundbreaking experiences. Corry's excitement is often tempered by feelings of isolation and homesickness. She constantly reflects on her past life, which reveals her internal struggles with being uprooted from familiar surroundings. Klages writes, “Sometimes, it felt like living with shadows of the past, as if the memories of Earth were ghosts who haunted her every day” (p. 79). This sense of loss is a profound burden that can diminish the sense of adventure that living in a new place might promise. While Corry’s father may view their experience as an adventure, it is crucial to acknowledge the emotional challenges that come with such significant change.
Furthermore, the physical risks associated with space living cannot be overlooked. Unlike life on Earth, the Goddard presents its inhabitants with constant threats, from unpredictable environments to potential technological failures. The story hints at moments where Corry and her peers must confront these dangers, illustrating that the thrill of adventure is often intertwined with the necessity of vigilance and preparedness. This duality demonstrates that the responsibilities of pioneering a new world include not just the creation of a new home but also the need for ongoing caution and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
While it is understandable to romanticize the notion of "adventure," the reality of living in a new and untested environment is laden with challenges that demand a great deal of responsibility. While Corry's father emphasizes the excitement of exploration, it is important to analyze the complexities that come with such a significant life change. For Corry and her family, the adventure is perhaps less about thrill-seeking and more about navigating the numerous responsibilities and emotional burdens that arise when venturing into the unknown.
In conclusion, although the idea of living on the Goddard may initially seem like an adventure of a lifetime, the story of Corry in "Amicae Aeternum" reveals the underlying complexities that accompany such pioneering experiences. The responsibilities of building a new community, the emotional toll of leaving one’s home, and the risks associated with life in space provide a more nuanced perspective on the reality of colonization. Therefore, while adventure may be a part of their journey, it is essential to recognize the weight of the responsibilities and burdens that come with being among the first to inhabit a new world.
In Ellen Klages' compelling short story "Amicae Aeternum," the narrative revolves around the experiences of a young girl named Corry, whose father believes that living on the Goddard—a newly established space colony—is "the adventure of a lifetime" (p. 85). While one can understand the exhilaration associated with such a pioneering endeavor, I ultimately disagree with Corry's father’s perspective. Living in a new and uncharted environment brings with it an array of responsibilities and burdens that can overshadow the thrill of exploration.
One of the primary responsibilities of being among the first inhabitants of a new colony is the need to establish a functioning society. Corry and her family are not merely explorers; they are laying the groundwork for future generations. This includes creating rules, developing social structures, and fostering relationships that facilitate cooperation and survival. Throughout the story, the pressure associated with these endeavors is evident as Corry grapples with her identity in an unfamiliar environment. The novelty of living in space can be thrilling, but the weight of these responsibilities can lead to anxiety and tension among the community’s members.
Moreover, the story illustrates the emotional burdens that accompany such groundbreaking experiences. Corry's excitement is often tempered by feelings of isolation and homesickness. She constantly reflects on her past life, which reveals her internal struggles with being uprooted from familiar surroundings. Klages writes, “Sometimes, it felt like living with shadows of the past, as if the memories of Earth were ghosts who haunted her every day” (p. 79). This sense of loss is a profound burden that can diminish the sense of adventure that living in a new place might promise. While Corry’s father may view their experience as an adventure, it is crucial to acknowledge the emotional challenges that come with such significant change.
Furthermore, the physical risks associated with space living cannot be overlooked. Unlike life on Earth, the Goddard presents its inhabitants with constant threats, from unpredictable environments to potential technological failures. The story hints at moments where Corry and her peers must confront these dangers, illustrating that the thrill of adventure is often intertwined with the necessity of vigilance and preparedness. This duality demonstrates that the responsibilities of pioneering a new world include not just the creation of a new home but also the need for ongoing caution and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
While it is understandable to romanticize the notion of "adventure," the reality of living in a new and untested environment is laden with challenges that demand a great deal of responsibility. While Corry's father emphasizes the excitement of exploration, it is important to analyze the complexities that come with such a significant life change. For Corry and her family, the adventure is perhaps less about thrill-seeking and more about navigating the numerous responsibilities and emotional burdens that arise when venturing into the unknown.
In conclusion, although the idea of living on the Goddard may initially seem like an adventure of a lifetime, the story of Corry in "Amicae Aeternum" reveals the underlying complexities that accompany such pioneering experiences. The responsibilities of building a new community, the emotional toll of leaving one’s home, and the risks associated with life in space provide a more nuanced perspective on the reality of colonization. Therefore, while adventure may be a part of their journey, it is essential to recognize the weight of the responsibilities and burdens that come with being among the first to inhabit a new world.