People define success in different ways. Wealth, power, fame, or happiness have all been seen by different people as goals of a successful life. However, most of us have known at some point in our lives a person who seemed at first to be successful, but turned out to have problems. Perhaps this person had money, but was unhappy. Or perhaps this person’s success was an illusion, based on lies and deceit. In some cases, a person might build his or her success on shaky ground, so that success lasts only a short time. In other cases, bad luck, poor judgment, or personal faults may destroy success.
In a well-organized essay, describe a person who seemed at first to be very successful, but turned out not to be. This person could be a famous person, such as an actor, a politician, an athlete, or a music star, or you could choose to write about someone you know personally. In developing your essay, discuss your own concept of success, describe why this person seemed to be so successful, and show that this person’s apparent success was not real.
