Final answer:
Human pride has nuanced effects illustrated through real-life scenarios and literature. Positive aspects include motivation and work ethic, while negative aspects lead to downfalls and sorrows as seen in tragedies. Literary examples such as Evans' poem and Shakespeare's Macbeth reveal the duality of pride's impact on human experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of human pride and its consequences can be a complex subject, often illustrated by real-life incidents that capture its dual nature. For instance, the story of a successful entrepreneur who becomes arrogant can serve as an example of how pride can lead to a downfall. On the other hand, a person who takes pride in their work and is motivated to improve their community illustrates the positive aspects. Literature, such as poetry and plays, often reflects the good and bad of pride and its effects, with Mari Evans' poem 'If There Be Sorrow' suggesting that excessive pride might contribute to sorrowful experiences. Similarly, tragic poetry and Shakespeare's plays offer narratives in which pride becomes the tragic flaw leading characters to their demise, as seen in Macbeth's ambition fueled by pride.
Looking at historical or literary examples, such as Wordsworth's concerns for the poor and Tragic and Epic poetry, provides a diverse perspective on pride's impact. The loss and suffering of characters in times of war or due to personal tragedy can also be augmented by pride, which can magnify sorrows and even lead to tragic outcomes. Additionally, the internal struggle that characters such as the shepherd in Wordsworth's work face show how pride and poverty can intertwine to cause great mental anguish.