a summary on the essay "on habits" by A.G. Gardiner
Answers
On Habits by A.G. Gardiner we have the theme of routine, independence, anxiety, control, change and jealousy. Taken from his Windfalls collection the reader realises after reading the essay that Gardiner may be exploring the theme of routine. Gardiner finds himself at a loss without his pencil. It is the tool he uses for writing and regardless of how nice the pen is he has received. Gardiner cannot write with it. This may be important as Gardiner may be highlighting the importance of routine to an individual. That an individual has a set routine that they must follow in order to prosper in any task that they entertain. Should they not follow the pattern that they are accustomed to they will inevitably fail at the task at hand. Something that is clear by Gardiner’s own difficulties when it comes to his attempts to write. Only satisfying himself when he is able to resort to his normal practice of using a pencil. The matter of the young boy in Scott’s class is also another example of the difficulties one can incur should the pattern they follow be disturbed. The boy himself is lost and uncertain of what to do. Thanks to Scott’s meddling.
The matter with Scott is also important for another reason as it is clear to the reader that Scott is jealous of his classmate. Most likely because Scott is aware that the boy is getting the better of him. Something which might also cause complaint with the reader should they themselves be in a similar position. With habits one becomes adept at the task at hand and possibly better than others. So one is left open to other people’s anxieties and jealousies. It is also noticeable that Gardiner feels anxious when he does not remember what peg he has hung his coat on. Calmness only returns when Gardiner develops a routine or habit. Picking the same peg or the nearest peg to it all the time. This may be significant as Gardiner may be suggesting that there are benefits to having a routine or habit. An individual’s peace of mind remains intact. However it is worth nothing that Gardiner believes that habits should be occasionally broken. In order for one to remain independent of their routine and not let their habits control them. Which can very easily be the case for an individual who does not keep their eye on their practices.
Answer:
Summary on the essay "On habits"
- The themes of habit, independence, anxiety, control, change, and jealousy are explored in A.G. Gardiner's novel On Habits.
- After reading the essay, the reader realizes that Gardiner may be examining the issue of regularity because it is taken from his Windfalls collection.
- Without his pencil, Gardiner finds himself at a lose. No matter how good the pen he was given is, it is the instrument he uses to write. With it, Gardiner is unable to write.
- This could be significant since Gardiner might be emphasizing the value of routine to an individual. They will unavoidably fail at the task at hand if they do not stick to the routine that they have grown accustomed to.
- Something that is evident from Gardiner's personal struggles with his writing endeavors. He only feels satisfied when he can use a pencil, which is how he usually goes about things.
- Another illustration of the challenges one may face should their routine be changed is the case of the young kid in Scott's class. The boy himself is unsure of what to do and is lost.