Business communication BBS 2nd year question paper 2081
4. Gary Snyder, in his essay "The Etiquette of Freedom," observes that graceful conducts are missing in human behaviors these days. Which particular etiquettes, in your opinion, can a front desk manager of a hotel learn from Snyder's essay? Explain.
In “The Etiquette of Freedom,” Gary Snyder argues that true freedom comes with responsibility, awareness, and respect for others and the environment. He believes modern people often forget graceful conduct—how to behave thoughtfully within a shared space. A front desk manager in a hotel, who represents the first point of contact for guests, can learn several important etiquettes from Snyder’s ideas.
First, Snyder emphasizes mindful awareness—being fully present in each moment. A front desk manager can practice this by giving guests complete attention, listening patiently to their needs, and responding calmly rather than mechanically. Instead of treating guests as transactions, mindful presence helps create genuine human connection, which makes guests feel respected and welcome.
Second, Snyder values respect for shared space and community. In a hotel, this means maintaining fairness, honesty, and courtesy toward all guests regardless of status or background. A manager should handle complaints quietly and respectfully, avoid unnecessary conflict, and protect the comfort of everyone. This reflects Snyder’s idea that freedom should never disturb others’ well-being.
Finally, Snyder highlights self-discipline and humility. A front desk manager must control emotions, especially when dealing with difficult guests. Politeness, calm speech, and ethical decision-making show inner discipline. By combining awareness, respect, and self-control, the manager practices the kind of graceful etiquette Snyder believes is missing today—turning everyday service into a respectful and meaningful human interaction.
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What is Eveline's duty to herself? To her father? What promises has she made to her mother? Does she have a "right to happiness"? Why? Why not? Explain
In James Joyce’s “Eveline,” Eveline is torn between duty and desire, and this conflict shapes her sense of responsibility toward herself and her family.
Eveline’s duty to herself is to seek a life of dignity, safety, and happiness. Her life at home is marked by fear, emotional abuse, and endless household labor. Going with Frank offers her escape, love, and the chance for a new beginning. From this perspective, she owes herself the right to choose freedom and personal fulfillment rather than continuing a life of suffering simply out of habit or fear.
Eveline’s duty to her father comes from social and moral expectations. After her mother’s death, Eveline has taken on the role of caretaker, keeping the home together and protecting her younger siblings. She feels responsible for her father despite his violence and cruelty, believing it is her obligation to stay and endure. This sense of duty is rooted in tradition, fear, and guilt rather than genuine love.
The promise Eveline made to her mother was to “keep the home together as long as she could.” Her mother’s tragic life and dying words haunt Eveline, making her fear that leaving would betray both her promise and her mother’s memory. This promise weighs heavily on her conscience and contributes to her paralysis at the dock.
Whether Eveline has a “right to happiness” is the central moral question of the story. Ethically, she does have that right because she is an individual with hopes and emotions, not merely a servant to duty. However, Eveline herself cannot claim this right. Social pressure, fear of the unknown, religious guilt, and loyalty to family overpower her sense of self. Joyce shows that when duty is enforced by fear and tradition, the right to happiness becomes emotionally unreachable—even when it morally exists.
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