Preferred Passage More Simply: P 2

What is this? The passage you select can be as short as a sentence or as long as a paragraph. Note: this does not have to be dialogue. Select a passage from each short story and essay that we study (if we are in a novel study, then one per chapter).

Why would I want to do this? By selecting and studying writing that appeals to you, you will begin to see two key results: – [1] you will more deeply understand the literature – [2] your own writing will begin to reflect the depth and excellence of your preferred passages

You picked a passage. Now what? [1] Copy that passage word for word. [2] Record the page number. [3] Discuss why you chose the quote (be specific), and how you think it is important. To be properly done, this will likely take a solid paragraph.

Like This? “Perhaps we feel like that when we die and become a part of something entire, whether it is sun and air, or goodness and knowledge. At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great.” (My Antonia 14) I selected this quote for its beauty and for its conception of death. Cather’s words have a poetic quality; they create a vivid image that allows the reader to easily grasp her beliefs regarding death. To her, death is not dark and ominous, rather it is something natural and fulfilling. It is interesting to compare her idea of death, which is to be reunited with something complete and beautiful, to other conceptions which view death as a final separation. Complete quote (word-for-word) with the page number Explanation that includes how and why this particular section was selected

Not Like This… “Jake nodded at me approvingly and said you were likely to get diseases from foreigners.” Sometimes, people are mean to new people and that’s not right and people shouldn’t do that. Answer has omitted the page number This answer is incomplete. The writer has an opinion (which is good), but the answer is too vague. Be as specific as possible; avoid generalities.

Definitely Not… The part where Jim chases the snake around and hits it an stuff and then yells at Anotnia for jabbering ‘bohunk’. It was cool to kill a snake an then yell at people. Answer has no quote, no page number, and fails to convey its message (if any).

Another Good Example “But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin…I claim them all,” said the Savage at last. (Brave New World 215) This passage is significant, because it is the Savage’s refutation of the World Society. He entered this world expectantly, believing—based on his mother’s stories—that it was a world of wonders. Instead, he has discovered that it is a world of make-believe, a world where people no longer live and no longer know what it means to be truly human. All that once made humans both awesome and terrible has been removed. The passage attracted me because of its passion. I think all people—even in modern society—have moments where they feel as if they were simply slipping through life; existing, but not living. Again, this example includes a passage (word for word) along with a page number. The writer clearly explains how the passage is significant. The writer also clearly explains why he/she selected it. Using a full, strong paragraph, this writer does a good job of exploring a passage that was important to the work and also demonstrated that he/she had a personal response to the work. Note: your personal response does not have to be positive. You are welcome to argue against thoughts presented in the works.

Final Thoughts Please be sure to copy the passage into your notebook (don’t just put the page number). Why? Because you can use your notes on quizzes (occasionally), but you cannot use your book. Also, these notes will be very helpful when studying for a test. Like any other facet of life, you will get out of this exactly what you put in. If you make an effort, you will likely find meaning and richness in the texts we study. If you make little or no effort, you will probably be frustrated with this activity. Questions? Comments?