Question

Read the following passage and write a brief paragraph that identifies:

a) the subject of the passage
b) the author's purpose for writing
c) the intended audience
d) the tone of the piece, and
e) the perspective or point of view.
Be sure that your paragraph has a topic sentence that identifies the subject, and provide evidence (quotes) from the excerpt to support each part of the analysis.
"I have seen the extreme vanity of this world: One hour I have been in health, and wealthy, wanting nothing. But the next hour in sickness and wounds, and death, having nothing but sorrow and affliction. Before I knew what affliction meant, I was ready sometimes to wish for it. When I lived in prosperity, having the comforts of the world about me, my relations by me, my heart cheerful, and taking little care for anything, and yet seeing many, whom I preferred before myself, under many trials and afflictions, in sickness, weakness, poverty, losses, crosses, and cares of the world, I should be sometimes jealous least I should have my portion in this life, and that Scripture would come to my mind, For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12.6).

Answer 1

The passage discusses the subject of life's shifting fortunes from prosperity to adversity and is intended for an audience that may be experiencing hardships. The author's purpose is to convey the naturalness of affliction and its role in life's journey, with a serious and reflective tone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage reflects on the transient nature of life's comforts and the inevitability of affliction, which the speaker has experienced firsthand. The subject of the passage is the contrast between prosperity and adversity in life. The author's purpose appears to be to convey the lesson that affliction is a part of life and can serve as a form of divine correction or testing, as indicated by the reference to Hebrews 12:6. This passage is likely intended for an audience that is reflective and possibly going through hardships, as it offers a philosophical perspective on suffering. The tone of the piece is contemplative and sober, with phrases such as 'sorrow and affliction' suggesting a serious reflection on life's challenges. Finally, the perspective is personal and subjective, providing a glimpse into the speaker's own experiences and beliefs.