"Life in the Iron Mills," boldness is a defining trait that shapes the lives
You learned the definition of the American Dream in this weeks lecture. You also learned about the American identity. Traits often associated with the American identity include boldness, confidence, perseverance, and integrity. These traits are often demonstrated through a characters words or actions. This week, well focus on boldness. How is boldness reflected in the characters of Rebecca Harding Daviss story? Choose two characters from "Life in the Iron Mills" and explain how boldness applies to them in the story.
Criteria: 300 words minimum (excluding quotations and citations)
Include two properly integrated and cited direct quotations (one related to each character) to support your claims. See the Literary Analysis Tools Module from this week's activities for information about integrating and citing direct quotations.
In Rebecca Harding Davis's "Life in the Iron Mills," boldness is a defining trait that shapes the lives and actions of its characters, particularly through the lives of Hugh Wolfe and Deborah Wolfe. Their experiences in the oppressive environment of the iron mills reflect their courageous attempts to assert their humanity and challenge societal constraints.
Hugh Wolfe embodies boldness through his artistic aspirations and his yearning for a life beyond the grim realities of the mill. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Hugh dares to dream of a better future. His decision to create sculptures from the iron waste signifies not only his artistic talent but also his defiance against the dehumanizing conditions of his labor. As Davis writes, "He had made a figure, a woman, out of the iron, with a face full of thought" (Davis 62). This act of creation reflects Hugh’s desire to transcend his circumstances and assert his individuality in a world that seeks to suppress it. His boldness is not just in his art but also in his refusal to accept a life defined solely by toil and despair.
Similarly, Deborah Wolfe exhibits boldness through her unwavering support for Hugh and her desire for a better life for him and herself. Despite the constraints placed upon her as a woman in a lower socioeconomic class, she demonstrates resilience and courage. Deborah’s determination to uplift Hugh’s spirits shows her strength: "She was not afraid of the iron or the men; she could work with them" (Davis 47). Her willingness to confront the harsh realities of their life head-on illustrates her inner strength and refusal to succumb to passivity. Deborah's boldness lies in her belief that both she and Hugh deserve more than their current existence, pushing against societal expectations.
Through Hugh and Deborah, Davis illustrates how boldness is an essential trait that drives individuals to seek change against formidable obstacles. Their actions reflect a deep-seated desire for dignity and fulfillment, making them poignant representations of resilience within the bleak backdrop of industrial life.