Explain the tug-of-war between generational duty and the pursuit of one’s “inclinations” in Robinson’s life? What sort of larger societal transformation does it dramatize? How does this generational divide play out in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice?

My notes for Austen’s generational divide: In Pride and Prejudice, there is a sense of a new generational divide, comparing the duty of older generation vs younger generation. In lecture, we learned that there is a lack of wisdom coming from the parents to the daughters. Mrs. Bennet is trying to marry her daughters off to wealthy men but she is not intelligent and is too loud. While Mr. Bennet is a good fellow but too unconcerned, too imprudent (pgs. 292, 293). He is happy to be a spectator to life, as he is amused by the comedy of matters of life, including snagging a good men for his daughters. Although, Mr. Bennet prefers to sit back and watch this play out, not help his daughters. Additionally, There is a generational breakdown, where the younger generation feeling like they are being let down or betrayed by the older generation. The older generation is not handing down support for the younger generation, a sort of neglect (pg 206).

7.     What is an accomplished person according to Jane Austen? What can we infer is the true character flaw in her view?

9.     What is modern man’s cardinal sin according to Tolstoy? Contrast with Question #7. Contrast Austen’s notion of selfhood and Tolstoy’s.

10.  In what sense does the moral of Tolstoy’s story retain elements of Robinsonesque individualism? In what other sense does it reject them?