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Old Leisure Diction

Decent Essays
In the “Old Leisure” passage, the author George Eliot uses diction and point of view to convey her nostalgia towards Old Leisure, while suggesting that modern day advances in technology have replaced this simpler lifestyle. The diction depicts Eliot as reminiscent of Old Leisure, while the point of view relays her opinion that modern society has no time for simple leisure. The author’s diction choices reveal her sentimental longing for the better times of Old Leisure. When explaining the nature of Old Leisure, the author relays he was “of quiet perceptions, undiseased by hypothesis.” The diction of “quiet perceptions” suggests Old Leisure tends to keep his opinions and beliefs to himself, while remaining unconcerned by the answers…show more content…
While, “ingenious philosophers tell you, perhaps, that the great work of the steam-engine is to create leisure for mankind. Do not believe them.” Eliot uses the word “ingenious” sarcastically to communicate that these philosophers are poorly mistaken. The author instead believes that these technological advancements are destroying mankind’s time for leisure. In modern society, “even idleness is eager now- eager for amusement.” The author argues that even in times of idleness, there is no relaxation in modern society because people always strive to be entertained. Eliot exclaims, “Fine old Leisure! Do not be severe upon him, and judge him by our modern standard.” The author is of the opinion that Old Leisure is just “fine” the way he is, and should not be compared to New Leisure, whose time is filled and life is rushed. In her “Old Leisure” passage, George Eliot employs diction and point of view to suggest that modern technologies are not creating, but instead eliminating leisure within society. She believes with every technological innovation comes a surge of curiosity, which fills the time people otherwise would have spent just living. This eagerness to learn and advance has rendered the simple interests of Old Leisure obsolete. Eliot personifies Old and New Leisure to contrast the past’s uncomplicated way of life, with the present’s complex lifestyle, revealing her nostalgia for the simpler times of
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