Chapter 1, pp. 1 ­ 7

1. What is Annie Dillard referring to when she says, "I'll do it in the evenings, after skiing, or on the way home from the bank" (10)? Explain.

2. Dillard appears to be drawing an ANALOGY between the burning moth and the writer. What does her use of this figure of speech imply about the nature of the writer's calling as Dillard sees it? Point to specific details in the text.

3. What would you say to George, the student who posted the following on bookscritics.org: "I need to know the significance of the butterfly in Annie Dillard's 'Death of a Moth.' This essay made absolutely no sense to me so I really need some help."

From Chapter 1, pp. 8 ­15
1. Why is Annie Dillard generally opposed to "writing personally" (24)? What dangers and pitfalls in particular does she think the writer of a personal narrative should try to avoid?

2. Dillard advises the aspiring writer to "look at your text coldly, analytically, manipulatively" (15). Why does she give this advice? How does the writer, in her view, acquire the ability to do such close, analytical reading?

3. How, according to Dillard, should a writer use DESCRIPTION to support what a piece of writing has to say, particularly any "well defined point" the writer might want to make (18)? Point to specific details in her text that show how Dillard herself uses this particular mode of writing

4. Why read like a writer? 100 words

5. What is writing process? 100 words

6. What is your idea of a good writer? 100 words