| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Almayer's Folly by Joseph Conrad: on the corner of the table with a characteristic want of dignity
quickly noted by the Arabs with grave disapproval. But Abdulla
spoke now, looking straight past Almayer at the red curtain
hanging in the doorway, where a slight tremor disclosed the
presence of women on the other side. He began by neatly
complimenting Almayer upon the long years they had dwelt together
in cordial neighbourhood, and called upon Allah to give him many
more years to gladden the eyes of his friends by his welcome
presence. He made a polite allusion to the great consideration
shown him (Almayer) by the Dutch "Commissie," and drew thence the
flattering inference of Almayer's great importance amongst his
Almayer's Folly |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland by Olive Schreiner: boy and lay in his bed in the next room, and saw her shadow through the
door as she bent over her wash-tub earning the money which was to feed and
clothe him. He remembered how he called her and she came and tucked him in
and called him "Little Simon," which was his second name and had been his
father's, and which she only called him when he was in bed at night, or
when he was hurt.
He sat there staring into the blaze. He resolved he would make a great
deal of money, and she should live with him. He would build a large house
in the West End of London, the biggest that had ever been seen, and another
in the country, and they should never work any more.
Peter Halket sat as one turned into stone, staring into the fire.
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