Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the Essay.
Introduction
Alfred George Gardiner’s essay “On Umbrella Morals” uses humor to discuss small moral mistakes that people make in their everyday lives. Through the example of swapping umbrellas, Gardiner explores how people often justify minor dishonest acts. Though the subject is light, it raises serious questions about honesty and human behavior. Gardiner mixes humor with important moral lessons, making the essay both fun to read and thought-provoking.
Theme
The central theme of the essay is moral rationalization—how people justify small acts of dishonesty or self-interest in their daily lives, often with little guilt or reflection. Gardiner uses the concept of “umbrella morals” to explore the ways in which individuals justify minor ethical lapses, such as taking someone else’s umbrella or not returning borrowed books. Other themes include:
Self-deception and Conscience: Gardiner examines how people try to avoid facing the true nature of their actions, even when they know deep down that they are acting dishonestly.
Class and Social Expectations: The essay includes references to the House of Commons, noblemen, and politicians, suggesting that even in high-status social environments, small acts of dishonesty are common.
The Absurdity of Small Moral Lapses: Through humor and exaggeration, Gardiner shows that these small moral lapses—though often dismissed or rationalized—are an integral part of human behavior.
Humor in the Essay
A major strength of the essay is its use of humor. Gardiner talks about umbrella exchanges and hat-swapping in an exaggerated way, which makes the essay funny while still discussing serious topics. The humor makes the reader reflect on their own behavior without feeling too guilty. For example, Gardiner jokes about how exchanging hats is “unpardonable”, making the point in a funny yet serious way that sometimes we don’t think twice about our actions.
Reflection on Society and Human Nature
The essay is also a reflection on human nature. Gardiner shows that these small moral lapses happen not just to ordinary people, but even to those who are seen as moral or respected in society. He gives the example of a preacher with a third-class ticket traveling in a first-class carriage, which suggests that even the most upright people sometimes make small, dishonorable choices. This shows that moral lapses happen in all walks of life and are not just limited to certain groups.
Symbolism of the Umbrella
The umbrella in the essay represents small moral mistakes that seem insignificant but can reveal deeper truths about our character. Gardiner uses the umbrella to ask the reader to reflect on the everyday things they might do without thinking, like borrowing or exchanging things without returning them. The umbrella, in this way, becomes a symbol for ownership and responsibility, making us think about how much we really care about what belongs to others.
Self-Reflection and Gardiner’s Role
Gardiner does not just point fingers at others; he also reflects on his own behavior. He admits that he has also swapped umbrellas and sometimes rationalized his actions. This self-reflection makes the essay feel more relatable and shows that everyone, even someone who is aware of these moral issues, can still fall into the trap of justifying small wrongs. His honesty about his own mistakes helps the reader connect with him and think about their own behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “On Umbrella Morals” uses a simple object, the umbrella, to discuss important moral issues. Gardiner uses humor to explore how we justify small dishonest actions, like taking someone’s umbrella without returning it. The essay encourages readers to think about their own behavior and be more honest with themselves about the small moral choices they make. While the essay may seem lighthearted, its underlying message is clear: even the smallest dishonest acts matter in shaping who we are.
Write long note on Alfred George Gardiner as Essayist.
Introduction
Alfred George Gardiner (1865–1946) was a British writer, journalist, and essayist, widely known by his pen name “Alpha of the Plough.” He was recognized for his insightful essays that explored human nature, morality, and social issues, often with humor. Gardiner used everyday experiences and simple objects, like umbrellas, to address bigger questions about society and personal behavior. His essays were both entertaining and thoughtful, making people reflect on their own lives.
Early Life and Career
Gardiner began working in journalism at a young age. He worked as a reporter and editor for several newspapers, including The Observer, where his essays became popular. His experiences in journalism allowed him to observe society, its issues, and the behavior of people in different situations. These observations became the foundation for his essays, where he discussed the complexities of everyday life, often with a sharp eye for detail and humor.
Writing Style and Approach
Gardiner’s writing is known for its clear and conversational tone, making it easy for readers to connect with. He had a special way of combining humor with serious reflections about life. His essays often started with personal stories or small, everyday events, which he then used to explore bigger topics like morality, social responsibility, and human behavior. By using simple, familiar experiences, Gardiner made complex ideas easy to understand and relevant to readers from all walks of life.
His essays felt like friendly conversations because of his casual style, but they also made readers think deeply about their actions and choices. His combination of humor and philosophical depth is what made his writing unique and memorable.
Themes in Gardiner’s Essays
The main themes in Gardiner’s essays revolve around human nature, social responsibility, and moral choices. He often wrote about how people justify small dishonest actions, like taking someone’s umbrella or not returning a borrowed book, and how these actions reveal something about their conscience. Gardiner was interested in how people rationalize their behavior, especially when they think their actions don’t have serious consequences.
He also explored the idea of individual freedom versus social responsibility. Gardiner believed in the dignity of the individual but also thought it was important to care about the well-being of others. He wrote about how people should be aware of their actions’ impact on society and each other, stressing the need for compassion and fairness.
Major Works
Gardiner wrote many essays throughout his career, with some of his most notable works collected in volumes like Leaves in the Wind (1914), The Pilgrim of Beauty (1919), and In the Name of the Bodhisattva (1925). His essays often focused on human behavior, social justice, and moral responsibility. One important collection, The Civic Consciousness, discusses how individuals should think about their role in society and how they can contribute to a fairer and more just world.
These works show that Gardiner wasn’t just interested in individual behavior, but also in how individuals interact with and affect the society around them. His writing often encouraged readers to think about their duties and moral responsibilities as members of a community.
Gardiner’s Social Commentary and Humanism
Gardiner’s essays are full of social commentary, where he reflects on society’s flaws and human imperfection. He believed that people are not perfect and often make mistakes, but he had a compassionate view of human nature. He believed in giving people a chance to improve and learn from their mistakes. His humanism was about understanding and empathy for people’s struggles and flaws.
Gardiner also wrote about social justice and the need for a more compassionate society. He thought that, while people should have personal freedom, society must care for everyone, especially those who are struggling or disadvantaged. His essays argued for social reform and a more empathetic approach to dealing with issues like poverty and inequality.
Influence and Legacy
Gardiner’s essays were popular during his lifetime and influenced not only other essayists but also future generations of journalists and writers. His ability to mix personal reflection, humor, and social critique set a high standard for the essay form. His writing style inspired many other writers, and his essays continue to be studied for their insights into human nature and society.
Even today, Gardiner’s work is still relevant. His essays remain valuable for understanding human behavior and society’s complexities, and they are often used in literature and journalism courses. Gardiner’s work resonates because it blends everyday experiences with important moral and social lessons, making it timeless and relatable.
Conclusion
Alfred George Gardiner was a brilliant essayist known for his ability to blend humor with deep insights into society and human behavior. His essays, which often began with simple experiences or objects, made readers think deeply about their own actions and the world around them. Gardiner’s legacy as an essayist lies in his unique ability to tackle complex moral and social issues with wit and compassionate understanding. His work continues to inspire readers to think about their responsibilities in society and how they can live more ethically and thoughtfully.
