Here’s an outline and plan for your analysis using additional examples from both “What Happened During the Ice Storm” and “The Fight.”
Title: Analysis of Impulse in “What Happened During the Ice Storm” and “The Fight”
“What Happened During the Ice Storm”
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Language that implies impulsive or unpredictable action toward nature:
- Example: “To pounce on a pheasant, or to yell Bang!”
- Notes: The words “pounce” and “yell” suggest spontaneous actions driven by excitement. The juxtaposition of both options emphasizes the unpredictability of their impulses and the potential consequences for the pheasant.
- Example: “To pounce on a pheasant, or to yell Bang!”
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Example: “The boys raced down the hill.”
- Notes: The quick descent indicates rush and thrill-seeking, highlighting the boys' lack of foresight. The excitement thrills them while escalating the danger of their actions.
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Example: “They grabbed the ice and threw it at each other.”
- Notes: This showcases impulsivity as they act on the immediate excitement of a snowball fight without considering the potential mess or harm involved.
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Example: “The boys dared each other to skate on the thin ice.”
- Notes: Daring each other demonstrates peer pressure and thoughtlessness. Their desire for thrill eclipses the understanding of the dangers of thin ice, indicating immaturity and spontaneity.
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Example: “They suddenly decided to climb the frozen tree.”
- Notes: The word “suddenly” signals a lack of careful consideration, underscoring a thrill-seeking mindset. Their impulsive nature drives them toward danger without assessing risks.
“The Fight”
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Language that implies impulsive or unpredictable action toward nature:
- Example: “When I found the swallow's nest under the bridge—”
- Notes: The immediacy of the action (“ran to fetch a school companion”) shows impulsivity driven by excitement. It also illustrates an innate desire to connect with nature and share beauty with others.
- Example: “When I found the swallow's nest under the bridge—”
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Example: “It was still breast warm where I curved in my hand to count them,”
- Notes: The instinctive action of cupping the eggs highlights a protective and nurturing impulse. This reflects an impulsive drive to safeguard the fragile life forms and emphasizes the bond between humans and nature.
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Example: “In that moment, I felt so connected to something larger than myself.”
- Notes: This declaration indicates a spontaneous emotional response to nature, demonstrating how impulse can foster a transformative connection to the environment.
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Example: “I envisioned a world where I could protect them.”
- Notes: The act of envisioning indicates a sudden desire to act and change the situation. This reflects a human impulse toward compassion and a sense of responsibility toward nature.
Conclusion
In both stories, the writers use pivotal words and phrases to illuminate the unpredictable and impulsive nature of humanity when faced with the natural world. By highlighting actions and emotional responses, they explore the thrill and danger that accompany these impulses, ultimately prompting reflections on the consequences of such behavior.