Comparing Stubbornness And Pride In With All Flags Flying By Anne Tyler

Stubbornness and pride are two very similar traits that can be hard to tell the difference between, although they are both very different. These qualities and how they work together is shown in Anne Tyler’s “With All Flags Flying”. Characterization of Mr.Carpenter’s motivation and how he interacts with others shows that being stubborn about creating an individual path can be beneficial. Mr. Carpenter's motivation to stay independent is evident through his actions and thoughts. “Weakness was what got him in the end.” (Tyler 82) is a great way to show how the old man doesn't want his health to decide his choices, showing willfulness. this strong mindedness is what keep him independent until he could not carry himself any further. “Never once did he disgraced himself by falling down in front of people.” (Tyler 84) this shows that he has a lot of pride in himself and doesn’t to make himself look weak. He keeps up this act throughout the whole story, this shows his stubbornness as well.

“We couldn't do that. We won't even talk about it.” (Tyler 83) said by his daughter shows that she is just as stubborn as he is. If his daughter acts this way then he must have acted this way when she was younger, leaving an imprint on her. If he was this way from a younger than he has plans from the start, and has stuck to them. “If she… changed her mind… he didn't want to hear about it.” (Tyler 85) the old man is so stubborn that he evens wants people to stick to their plans. He feels that if others don’t carry out their own plans, then maybe he won't, and it is shown that he wants to be independent for as long as he