Assignment Task:
Pennies:
What is the significance of the pennies in the first two paragraphs? When you first start reading the essay, Dillard's recounting of her childhood experience with the pennies may seem "cute" but inconsequential to any further meaning. But, once you have read the entire essay, the story of the pennies should take on a much larger meaning. Dillard says "There are a lot of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises. The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand" (17).
What insight does this give to her thesis? What is her thesis? Explain what you think this larger meaning is and how the story of the pennies tie in with the overall theme
Seeing:
In paragraph two, Dillard says, "what you see is what you get" (17). In paragraph 8 she writes, "I see what I expect" (20). Explain what she means with these statements and how these statements tie in with the lecture notes on gaps.