Ask a New Question
Menu

Analyzing Descriptions, Actions, and Quotations

Page 1Page 2
One of her horse-riding pals, a veterinarian named Mary Wright, had the answer: alginate. Mary told Diane that alginate was a pink gummy material used to make molds of teeth. If it was safe for pets, it should be safe for a tiger. And people, too, Diane thought.

(continued)
At her lab she mixed the alginate powder with water to form a paste. Standing in front of a mirror, she scooped up a blob and spread it on her tongue. She pressed it down with her fingers to get out any air bubbles. Not bad, she thought. Tastes just like spearmint. She decided to make an extra-thick mold to make it easier to peel off. So, she added another gloopy blob – and another.

–Bone Detective: The Story of Forensic Anthropologist Diane France,
Lorraine Jean Hopping

Read this passage. What do the descriptions, actions, and quotations tell you about the subject?

1 answer

The passage provides insight into the character of Diane France and her innovative approach to her work. Here’s a breakdown of what the descriptions, actions, and quotations convey about her:

  1. Resourcefulness and Curiosity: Diane seeks solutions beyond her immediate expertise; when she learns about alginate from her veterinarian friend, she shows openness to new ideas. This willingness to explore alternatives hints at her resourcefulness.

  2. Hands-on Approach: The act of mixing alginate powder with water and testing the material on herself illustrates that Diane is practical and experimental. She is not afraid to engage directly with her materials, suggesting a kinesthetic approach to her work.

  3. Safety Considerations: Diane’s thought process, considering the safety of alginate for pets and applying that reasoning to its use for humans and tigers, reveals her cautious nature. This indicates that she is thoughtful and responsible in her practices, ensuring that what she is using is safe for others.

  4. Sense of Taste and Enjoyment: The description of the alginate's taste ("Tastes just like spearmint") highlights Diane's sensory engagement with her work. It suggests she finds pleasure in her experiments, which could signify a passion for her field.

  5. Attention to Detail: Her decision to create an extra-thick mold indicates that she is meticulous and values the quality of her work. She is aware that the thickness will aid in the mold's removal, reflecting a foresightedness in her process.

Overall, the passage paints Diane as an inquisitive, hands-on, safety-conscious, and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about her work in forensic anthropology.