| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad: At noon I have no orders for a change of course, and the mate's
whiskers became much concerned and seemed to be offering themselves
unduly to my notice. At last I said:
"I am going to stand right in. Quite in--as far as I can take her."
The stare of extreme surprise imparted an air of ferocity also to his eyes,
and he looked truly terrific for a moment.
"We're not doing well in the middle of the gulf," I continued, casually.
"I am going to look for the land breezes tonight."
"Bless my soul! Do you mean, sir, in the dark amongst the lot of all them
islands and reefs and shoals?"
"Well--if there are any regular land breezes at all on this coast
The Secret Sharer |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Fanny Herself by Edna Ferber: advertising. She came forward now, graciously (but not too
graciously). Theodore looked relieved. Already he had
learned that one might lean on this sister who was so
capable, so bountifully alive.
"Teddy, you're much too tired to talk. Let me talk for
you."
"My sister, Miss Brandeis," said Teddy, and waved a rather
feeble hand in an inclusive gesture at the interrogatory
five.
Fanny smiled. "Do sit down," she said, "all of you. Tell
me, how did you happen to get on my brother's trail?"
Fanny Herself |
