Overview

ASSIGNMENT 1.2

The essay by Annie Dillard title “Total Eclipse” was created in a unique style that leads the reader to question the primary point to her style of writing. The introduction had no coherence as seen in many customary written essays. Neither, the body structure had a universal unity. What emerges is random and haphazard detail statement of reference of pass memories, inferences, or detailed descriptions of the current moment. In the beginning, the writer drifts from topic to topic but not having any reference to combine either topic.

There were paragraphs after paragraph that gave vivid detail memories of her pass and associations of her knowledge. Every detail was remembered and described specify. Tailored memories of a regular life that general people would take for granted. One idea leads to the next idea in a general way yet the associations were intense of regular sites seen in everyday life. All of the descriptions of the details were on route through the mountains of Washington.

The setting of the story took place on a drive though the Mountains of Washington. The mountains structure of the west where the hills and valleys are for the skilled driver. As one goes thought the mountains the scenery changes from altitude to altitude. It starts with mounts of snow that can cause an avalanche and less to green pastors.

It appears that the character and her husband were on a trip to see a complete eclipse. A total eclipse is seeing the entire surface of an area body covered. It was something they both had seen in the pass but this time around, it was different. Seeing this total eclipse would be very different.

The story finally came together in an abstract or indirect manner despite the collections of the random statements of reference of pass memories, inferences, and detailed descriptions of the present. The abstract manner could possibly communicate a different message to every reader. This is possible through one’s own knowledge, experiences, and awareness. Yet instill, what was the writer’s main purpose for this writing?

I view her story as a symbolic writing that uses references, inferences, and abstractions to relay very important ideas, which cannot easily be discussed. Topics that are not politically correct. Things that would make most people feel uncomfortable. It is difficult to talk about what ones may or may not believe as a driving motivator. How does society discuss uncomfortable subjects with the general population?

“Total Eclipse” is an amazing work of art. She manages to capture the foundation to reach and question ones personal grown. It questions the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world. The essay format obscurities allow one to wonder into the possibilities of questioning.