Pride Thesis

A. Quote: “There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. ‘Good pride’ represents our dignity and self respect. ‘Bad pride’ represents the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.” (John C. Maxwell) B. Background: John C. Maxwell is a 68 year old author, speaker, and leadership expert who has written more than 70 books. C. Explanation: What John C. Maxwell was saying, is that there are both good and bad sides to pride. D. Relationship: This quote sums up some of the good and bad effects of pride. E. Thesis Statement: Pride is an unattractive quality to possess because its flaws outway its

Point 1: Acknowledge: Pride can drive a person to help others. First example from short story supporting the opposite point (page #): “Finally one day, after many weeks of practicing, he (Doodle) stood alone for a few seconds… I grabbed him in my arms and hugged him, our laughter pealing through the swamp like a ringing bell.” (Hurst - 172) Explanation of the quotation and how it supports the opposite view: The narrator was proud of Doodle, and because of that pride, he helped Doodle learn to walk. Transitional word or phrase using point 2: Pride can also motivate a person to reach personal goals. Second example from short story supporting the opposite point (page #): “They did not know that I did it for myself; that pride, whose slave I was, spoke to me louder than all their voices, and that Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother.” (Hurst - 173) Explanation of quotation and how it supports the opposite view: The narrator’s pride made him teach Doodle how to walk, but for himself and not his brother. B. Concluding Sentence (use closing word): Even though pride has some attractive qualities, it also has a dark

Transitional word or phrase using point 2: Pride can cause the destruction of relationships with friends and family.
Second powerful example form short story supporting your argument (page #): ”The knowledge that Doodle’s and my plans had come to nought was bitter, and that streak of cruelty within me awakened. I ran as fast as I could, leaving him far behind…” (Hurst - 176)
Explanation of quotation and how it proves your belief: The narrator was proud of himself and his brother, but once he realized that he had failed, he lashed out at his brother, and left him behind eventually to die.
Transitional word or phrase using point 3: One final reason that pride is a bad thing, is if an individual has too much pride, it can lead him or her to harm