Posted: November 19th, 2022
In Annie Dillard’s Teaching A Stone To Talk,
Text that essay is about:
https://public.wsu.edu/~hughesc/dillard_weasel.htm
Essay Requirements
Write 1100 words
Introduction (brief paragraph)
Thesis statement (this should be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph)
Author’s first and last name
Essay title (in quotes)
Book title (in italics)
At least two literary devices
An effect statement
A clear, complex, and universal idea (theme statement)
At least two body paragraphs
At least two pieces of supporting evidence (quotes) in each
All elements of TISAS
Conclusion (this should be a short paragraph)
In Annie Dillard’s Teaching A Stone To Talk, the essay “Living Like Weasels” uses symbolism and juxtaposition between weasels and humans to convey that a better quality of life can be achieved if humans only act on instinct and live in the moment. We as humans are blinded by the constant choices we are faced with. Choices about humanity’s socially constructed perception of necessities such as money, education, careers, relationships. These decisions cause us to break our connection with the present moment. Dillard challenges if people’s perception of what is essential in their lives is really what is most necessary and important. The weasel’s necessity is what it wants instinctually in the present moment it is in. Up until death, all it knows is the present moment. No angst for the future or regret from the past.