Virginia talks about a moth. The moth is trapped in a room, and it cannot get out. The moth attempts to accomplish an objective, but it always fails everytime. The moth eventually dies while trying to accomplish this objective. I believe the point of this story is that there are times where you need to accept failure. You need to know that there are certain things that you cannot do, and that some of those things are life threatening. This story tells me that there are certain things that I cannot do, and I need to accept that I cannot do them.
I do not think that the author's point was to have the readers accept not being able to do certain things. I do realize that the writer was going through a dismal time while writing this story, but it was not her intention to have others feel as though they could not accomplish something. Obviously there are factors that come into play as to what can be done, but I believe that if you set your mind and heart to doing something, you truly can do anything that you want to do.
ReplyDeleteTrevor
The point of this story is not that we cannot accomplish certain tasks. Even though Virginia Woolf was depressed throughout her life, she did not write this short story to say we should give up and not try when things get tough. Of course there are some things that are very challenging, but if you commit yourself to working hard, you can accomplish anything.
ReplyDeleteGrant Gilmour
I think she was making the point that there are things we cannot control, in this instance death. Even though there was so much life in the room at one point, death could come in and take control in a matter of an instant.
ReplyDeleteAdam Prouty
I agree with above , I think she's talking about how some situations are out of our hands. We can't help certain things, they just happen.
ReplyDeleteI like you're bluntness though!
-Savannah Jackson
Stephen, what an interesting read of this text! I have never read this as a text about failure because I think that Woolf seems to admire the moth. She describes it as "dancing!" Even in the sad ending, she calls the effort "a superb last protest." However, I would love to hear what quotes and moments in the text made you feel like Woolf was calling the moth a failure, and telling you not to try. I believe it was the trying that inspired Woolf, but I'm all ears!! Can't wait to hear more from you. Keep up that good critical thinking!! Thanks for sharing. -teachy teach
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