| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Statesman by Plato: Sophist, we may observe the tendency of Plato to combine two or more
subjects or different aspects of the same subject in a single dialogue. In
the Sophist and Statesman especially we note that the discussion is partly
regarded as an illustration of method, and that analogies are brought from
afar which throw light on the main subject. And in his later writings
generally we further remark a decline of style, and of dramatic power; the
characters excite little or no interest, and the digressions are apt to
overlay the main thesis; there is not the 'callida junctura' of an artistic
whole. Both the serious discussions and the jests are sometimes out of
place. The invincible Socrates is withdrawn from view; and new foes begin
to appear under old names. Plato is now chiefly concerned, not with the
Statesman |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: be on it. She trembled a little at the idea of anyone's
approaching so cautiously; but resolving not to be again
overcome by trivial appearances of alarm, or misled
by a raised imagination, she stepped quietly forward,
and opened the door. Eleanor, and only Eleanor, stood there.
Catherine's spirits, however, were tranquillized but for
an instant, for Eleanor's cheeks were pale, and her manner
greatly agitated. Though evidently intending to come in,
it seemed an effort to enter the room, and a still
greater to speak when there. Catherine, supposing some
uneasiness on Captain Tilney's account, could only
Northanger Abbey |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Flower Fables by Louisa May Alcott: own breasts, and surely they will glow the brighter for this kindly
deed; and I will thankfully repay it if I can." As thus she spoke,
the Queen, who had spied out a chain of jewels Ripple wore upon her
neck, replied,--
"If you will give me those bright, sparkling stones, I will bestow on
you a part of my own flame; for we have no such lovely things to wear
about our necks, and I desire much to have them. Will you give it me
for what I offer, little Spirit?"
Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as soon as it touched her
hand, the jewels melted like snow, and fell in bright drops to the
ground; at this the Queen's eyes flashed, and the Spirits gathered
Flower Fables |
