| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Breaking Point by Mary Roberts Rinehart: once look at the stage. He continued his steady, unwavering study
of the man in the sixth row seat next the aisle, and Bassett
continued his study of the little man.
His long training made him quick to scent a story. He was not sure,
of course, but the situation appeared to him at least suggestive.
With the end of the play he wandered out with the crowd, edging his
way close to the man and girl who had focused Gregory's attention,
and following them into the street. He saw only a tall man with a
certain quiet distinction of bearing, and a young and pretty girl,
still flushed and excited, who went up the street a short distance
and got into a small and shabby car. Bassett noted, carefully, the
The Breaking Point |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Three Taverns by Edwin Arlington Robinson: I gave them back their names again,
To scan once more those endless eyes
Where all my questions ended then.
I found in them what they revealed
That I shall not live to forget,
And wondered if they found in mine
Compassion that I might regret.
Pity, I learned, was not the least
Of time's offending benefits
That had now for so long impugned
The conservation of his wits:
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