| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from My Antonia by Willa Cather: realize that he was being protected by Providence.
X
FOR SEVERAL WEEKS after my sleigh-ride, we heard nothing
from the Shimerdas. My sore throat kept me indoors,
and grandmother had a cold which made the housework heavy for her.
When Sunday came she was glad to have a day of rest. One night
at supper Fuchs told us he had seen Mr. Shimerda out hunting.
`He's made himself a rabbit-skin cap, Jim, and a rabbit-skin collar
that he buttons on outside his coat. They ain't got but one
overcoat among 'em over there, and they take turns wearing it.
They seem awful scared of cold, and stick in that hole
My Antonia |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from An International Episode by Henry James: favorable view in Dover Street in the month of November.
That has always been my fate. Do you know Jones's Hotel
in Dover Street? That's all I know of England. Of course
everyone admits that the English hotels are your weak point.
There was always the most frightful fog; I couldn't see to try
my things on. When I got over to America--into the light--
I usually found they were twice too big. The next time I
mean to go in the season; I think I shall go next year.
I want very much to take my sister; she has never been to England.
I don't know whether you know what I mean by saying
that the Englishmen who come here sometimes get spoiled.
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Republic by Plato: will tell you of brightness and beauty?
Still, I must implore you, Socrates, said Glaucon, not to turn away just as
you are reaching the goal; if you will only give such an explanation of the
good as you have already given of justice and temperance and the other
virtues, we shall be satisfied.
Yes, my friend, and I shall be at least equally satisfied, but I cannot
help fearing that I shall fail, and that my indiscreet zeal will bring
ridicule upon me. No, sweet sirs, let us not at present ask what is the
actual nature of the good, for to reach what is now in my thoughts would be
an effort too great for me. But of the child of the good who is likest
him, I would fain speak, if I could be sure that you wished to hear--
The Republic |
