Journal 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 essay’s opening are empty shells. They are not recognizable moths. The moth at the campsite starts as a live moth, flying around before it burns in the candle and turns into a wick. The dead empty moths represent a life that is over and empty. It is unfulfilled. The moth in the fire represents striving to reach your goals. It is a flame that symbolizes determination, passion and desire.

2. What lesson does the moth provide that Dillard takes back to her students?

The lesson the moth provides is that you should live your life to the fullest and do what you have to do to make your dreams and aspirations come true. You have to have the motivation and determination to be active in your life and not treating life as a spectator sport.

3. How many references are there to fire in the essay? What’s the larger significance of fire in the essay?

Fire is referenced in the essay when the author describes the moth burning in the fire. Fire is also referenced by the book title, The Day on Fire, and the candles the author lights at home that accidentally catch her cat’s tail on fire. The significance of fire in the essay is the inspiration or passion the author wants people to have for life.

4. Address how each of the following quotes connects 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

This quote connects to Dillard’s point because they have the same message. They both say don’t die out as an empty shell, however, live life to the fullest and get fired up about it. Find something you love doing and that will keep you motivated.

b. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

-William Butler Yeats

This quote connects to Dillard’s writing because she wanted the children she taught to be a flame instead of a burned out wick. By learning new things in life, you are lighting a fire that can ignite yourself and give you a passion for something you really enjoy.

c. “A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us.”

-Franz Kafka

This quote connects to Dillard saying we should go at life with a broadax. Reading a book and learning new things can give us inspiration. With inspiration we can become motivated to do something we have always wanted to do in life.