“Never judge a book by its cover.”
First impressions are so important, whether it’s for making
first acquaintances, starting relationships or getting a job. Most of the time,
it is hard to forget first impressions, seeming as though they had been branded
into our memory. In this novel, Timothy Findley gave many examples of how
easily one can be judged without knowing their deeper sentiments. For instance,
Robert had assumed that Taffler, being a well-respected and honorable man, was
far from being homosexual. Although this was not straightforwardly said, it was
indicated through his angered and outrageous reaction in finding out so. Furthermore,
another character, Devlin, was described as appearing to be a snobby and judgmental person, while in contrast, he was very much caring and artistic.
Personally, I find that I can learn from this as I am quick to make first
impressions. Of course, I am not proud of such actions, but it has been
something of natural instinct. Honestly, I cannot be the only one out there as
well. First impressions have always been a part of civilization, dating ages
and ages ago. For example, the hierarchy system, the feudal system or even the Renaissance
Chain of Beings has been an early base for the critique of another. I guess I have
found another inquiry question. What triggers us to make first impressions and judgments of another, and how does it really benefit us on doing so?
While it's true first impressions are important, and they can tell you a lot about a person, it's funny how they often don't match up with a person once you get to know them better. First impressions might just be used as a means to decide if someone wants to get to know someone else better, which brings up the question of how reliable first impressions really are.
ReplyDeletedeep thoughts I've noticed in your reflections...
ReplyDeleteNow about this "judging a book by its cover" idea...I wonder if it's a natural instinct after all to generalize (which leads to stereotypes) as it is inherent in all human beings as you say. Perhaps the very same trait that has caused pain and suffering to so many people is also the very same thing that has allowed humankind to persist and thrive?