"The New Governess" and "Marie Curie: Prize-Winning Scientist" both discuss how a young Marie Sklowdowska had to overcome cultural barriers to study science. Write an essay analyzing the impact that Marie's focused desire to study and learn had on her success. Use evidence from both passages to support your response.

Answer 1

In both "The New Governess" and "Marie Curie: Prize-Winning Scientist," the struggles and triumphs of a young Marie Sklowdowska are explored as she faces cultural barriers to pursue her passion for science. Marie's unwavering determination to study and learn plays a significant role in her ultimate success. By analyzing the impact of Marie's focused desire to study and learn in both passages, it becomes evident how her relentless pursuit of knowledge paved the way for her groundbreaking achievements.

In "The New Governess," Marie's strong desire to study and learn is evident from a young age. Despite being discouraged by her father and society's expectations for women, she defies conventions and continues her education. As the author states, "She studied to-be-admired sciences, earning the highest marks... and was awarded the gold medal" (paragraph 10). Marie's focused desire to learn is reflected in her exceptional academic performance, highlighting her dedication and thirst for knowledge. This determination directly contributes to her success as she later becomes a prominent scientist.

Similarly, in "Marie Curie: Prize-Winning Scientist," Marie's focused desire to study is monumental in her achievements. She faces significant cultural barriers as a Polish woman aspiring to be a scientist. However, her passion for science remains undeterred. As the passage mentions, "She was furious...to reach out for knowledge" (paragraph 4). Marie's anger and frustration with the limitations imposed on her fuel her determination to break through these barriers. This focused desire to study propels her to pursue further education in France, where she ultimately conducts groundbreaking research in radioactivity. Without her relentless pursuit of learning, Marie would not have achieved such remarkable success.

Furthermore, Marie's focused desire to study and learn is showcased in her relentless work ethic. Both passages emphasize her dedication and long hours spent in the laboratory. In "The New Governess," Marie "often worked late into the night" (paragraph 11), indicating her relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge. Similarly, in "Marie Curie: Prize-Winning Scientist," she is described as "laboring in her laboratory" (paragraph 11) tirelessly. It is this unwavering commitment to her studies that enables Marie to make groundbreaking discoveries and secure her place in history as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

In conclusion, Marie's focused desire to study and learn plays a crucial role in her success as a scientist. Despite facing cultural barriers and societal expectations, her unwavering determination to pursue her passion for science propels her forward. Marie's exceptional academic performance, her relentless pursuit of knowledge, and her relentless work ethic are essential elements that contribute to her groundbreaking achievements. Through both "The New Governess" and "Marie Curie: Prize-Winning Scientist," it becomes evident that Marie Sklowdowska's focused desire to study and learn laid the foundation for her remarkable success as a scientist.