| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Camille by Alexandre Dumas: went to Frascati, one had the chance of making a fortune; one
played against money, and if one lost, there was always the
consolation of saying that one might have gained; whereas now,
except in the clubs, where there is still a certain rigour in
regard to payments, one is almost certain, the moment one gains a
considerable sum, not to receive it. You will readily understand
why. Gambling is only likely to be carried on by young people
very much in need of money and not possessing the fortune
necessary for supporting the life they lead; they gamble, then,
and with this result; or else they gain, and then those who lose
serve to pay for their horses and mistresses, which is very
Camille |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Breaking Point by Mary Roberts Rinehart: Lucas was on the floor dead, and Judson was as the lady said.
He must have gone out while I was bending over the body."
Q. "Did you see the revolver in his hand?"
A. "No."
Q. "How long between your warning Mr. Clark and the shot?"
A. "I suppose I'd gone a dozen yards."
Q. "Were you present when the revolver was found?"
A. "No, sir.
Q. "Did you see Judson Clark again?"
A. "No, sir. From what I gather he went straight to the corral
and got his horse."
The Breaking Point |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad: the parapet for a long time. The clock tower boomed a brazen blast
above his drooping head. He looked up at the dial. . . . Half-past
twelve of a wild night in the Channel.
And again Comrade Ossipon walked. His robust form was seen that
night in distant parts of the enormous town slumbering monstrously
on a carpet of mud under a veil of raw mist. It was seen crossing
the streets without life and sound, or diminishing in the
interminable straight perspectives of shadowy houses bordering
empty roadways lined by strings of gas lamps. He walked through
Squares, Places, Ovals, Commons, through monotonous streets with
unknown names where the dust of humanity settles inert and hopeless
The Secret Agent |
