Jouranl #2

- Annie Dillard – “The Death of a Moth,” from Holy the
Firm

1. How are the moths in the essay’s opening different from the moth at the campsite? What do the different moths represent?
The moths in the beginning are already dead and empty while the moth at the campsite is not. The campsite moth has a really detailed description of the burning and is not emptiness. It shows the two different sides of life. The first ones are dead bits that have really no drive or passion while the burning one brought some light and beauty. Even though what that moth did was destructive, it was creative. If you want to achieve your goal you must be like the moth at the campsite that shows this burning, passion, and intensity.

2. What lesson does the moth provide that Dillard takes back to her students?
The lesson is to know what you want to do or find your passion and then really go for it and have that drive. Be like the moth in the campsite and go for your passion 100%.

3. How many references are there to fire in the essay? What’s the larger significance of fire in the essay?
There are many references to fire in the essay. The book title has fire in it, her focus at camp is on the moth that flies into the fire, at the end she talks about leaving candles burning at night, and the cat’s tail gets caught in the flame. The biggest reference to fire is the moth at the campsite that goes right for the fire and does not shy away. The larger significance is you must have your fire or inspiration and find that passion that drives you. You must be active and passionate and driven and do whatever it takes to do what you want.

4. Address how each of the following quotes connect to Dillard’s overall point.

a. “I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.”
-Jack London
It brings to mind the two moths, the one that was empty and dried up and the other who went wholeheartedly to the fire even though it burned to death. It shows the two different ways of life. Not going for your passion and living a dull life, or live your life pursuing everything you want. Everyone should live your life to the fullest.

b. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
-William Butler Yeats
School is the time to be inspired and learn about yourself and what your true passion is. Then you must go out, give it everything you have got, and achieve it.


c. “A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us.”
-Franz Kafka
It shows you need to go at your life with an ax. The book is the as that break up our ice. Must break down yourself and get in touch with who you are to find what you really want inside. Breaking down that ice will ignite that passion within us.