1. Why does the speaker think that 'old proverbs' should
be rewritten? Do you agree with him? Why or why
not?
2. According to the speaker, what is wrong with the
proverb 'birds of a feather flock together?
3.How does the speaker prove the proverb 'a rolling
stone gathers no moss' incorrect?
4.What is the speaker's interpretation of all is not
gold that glitters'? How does he think it should be
modified?
5.Write about any two other proverbs that Leacock
mentions in this essay and explain why he thinks
they are outdated.
Its from the poem The Rime of the ancient mariner.
Answers
1. Why does the speaker think that 'old proverbs' should be rewritten? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
The speaker thinks that old proverbs should be rewritten since they do not make sense anymore in the new world now. These proverbs are old and were said by old men based on the understandings of their world which do not connect in today's circumstances. I agree with the speaker. The world has changed completely. Thoughts of people have developed and we would not have much connection with these proverbs.
2. According to the speaker, what is wrong with the proverb 'birds of a feather flock together?
The speaker believes that the proverb is wrong since people do not prefer staying with similar people rather they would stay with the ones with an opposite nature. A fisherman could be friends with a banker. The proverb builds restrictions which makes the author believe it's wrong.
3. How does the speaker prove the proverb a rolling stone gathers no moss' incorrect?
The proverb defines that a man roaming does not achieve anything, he should rather stay and work hard. The speaker agrees that it's true for the ancient world but disagrees with it today. He believes a modern man learns so much from his surroundings. People these days travel for work which makes this proverb incorrect.
4. What is the speaker's interpretation of all is not gold that glitters? How does he think it should be modified?
This is a proverb that shows how bright or beautiful something valuable is. The speaker wants this modified since he believes that not every valuable thing is meant to be beautiful. Beauty cannot be the main aspect of life.
5. Write about any two other proverbs that Leacock mentions in this essay and explain why he thinks they are outdated.
The two proverbs stated are,
- "One swallow does not make a summer, nor one fine day" - Here the speaker believes the proverb is incorrect since he believes that even one day of happiness is great. It's better to have one moment or one day of happiness than nothing at all.
- "Even a worm will turn" - This shows that when a small creature like the worm is pushed too far it shall take its revenge. This proverb is outdated since taking revenge or wars was much more of an ancient tradition.
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