hi everybody, I've just started to study English as my second subject and now we have to hand in a summary of 12 pages of texts. The texts are all about features of the English character. Could anybody tell me what they think about my summary or what I could change?

Even if most characteristics of the typical Englishman have their roots in the past, they are still very widespread today. A good example for this is nationalism, which goes back to the wars fought by Edward III. Being the king of England, he had his armies fighting simultaneously in Scotland and France. Therefore, the north as well as the south of England were attacked and thus had something in common. As people’s pride of there country supports their sense of nationalism, England’s victories also had a hand in its unification. So although it doesn’t sound nice, war was an important factor in the formation of English nationalism.

Another part of Englishness, which is kind of related to nationalism, is the Englishman’s sense of duty. In the novel Howards End by E. M. Forster we can read about a man who was at war in Nigeria to fight for its country. This indicates his sense of duty for its country and furthermore the text communicates that a nation can be proud to produce such a brave man. Moreover, we can also understand sense of duty in a very general way and see it connected to the ability to restrain. It is said that butlers only truly exist in England because other people can’t restrain their feelings the same way Englishmen do.

In general, English people tend to consider their qualities as the best, what can lead to snobbery and chauvinism. Even if characteristics as social homogeneity, a habit of volunteering or the idea of a gentleman certainly stand for England and its people, every national character also brings negative features with it. Eccentricity or even a loss of moral became apparent more and more in the last time. So, the English should take care not to consider themselves too much as the chosen people.

 

 

I'm also very unsure with punctuation: "Therefore, the north as well as the south " Do I need a comma here? "Another part of Englishness, which is kind of related to nationalism, is the Englishman’s sense of duty." are these too commas okay?

Are there any other severe mistakes in my text? and is the structure okay?

 

Would be really really happy if someone could help me =) have gd weekend.....