Answer:
In "He Had His Dream" by Langston Hughes and the excerpt from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, both authors develop the theme of perseverance through their characters' struggles. In "He Had His Dream," the speaker describes the life of a man who had a dream of equality and worked tirelessly towards it, even in the face of opposition and violence. Similarly, in Little Women, the character of Jo March is portrayed as a determined and hardworking young woman who pursues her dreams of becoming a writer, despite the challenges she faces.
Hughes develops the theme of perseverance through the use of repetition and imagery. The phrase "he had his dream" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the man's unwavering commitment to his cause. The imagery of "bloody feet" and "torn clothes" further highlights the physical toll that the man's efforts have taken on him, but also underscores his determination to keep going. The repetition of the phrase "he had his dream" also serves to emphasize the importance of holding onto one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.
Similarly, Alcott develops the theme of perseverance through the character of Jo March. Jo is depicted as a strong-willed and independent young woman who refuses to let societal expectations dictate her life. Despite facing rejection and criticism for her writing, she continues to pursue her dreams and works tirelessly to improve her craft. The passage in which she burns her own writing in frustration, only to later retrieve it and continue working on it, is a powerful illustration of her determination and perseverance.
Both authors use symbolism to reinforce the theme of perseverance. In "He Had His Dream," the man's dream of equality is itself a symbol of perseverance and hope. Similarly, in Little Women, Jo's writing is a symbol of her determination and passion. The fact that she is willing to burn her own writing in frustration, only to later retrieve it and continue working on it, is a powerful symbol of her resilience and determination.
Overall, both "He Had His Dream" and Little Women demonstrate the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Through the use of repetition, imagery, and symbolism, both authors develop this theme in a powerful and effective way. The characters of the man in "He Had His Dream" and Jo March in Little Women serve as inspiring examples of the power of perseverance and the importance of holding onto one's dreams, even in the face of opposition.