Trip to the Pole---Annie Dillard analysis

A detailed Summary of Trip to the Pole---Annie Dillard analysis

In her essay, "An Expedition to the Pole," Annie Dillard approaches the tricky technique of

symbolism and metaphysical images to portray her thoughts on religion, while avoiding the

dangers of making it too confusing, or too preachy. Descriptions combined with the narration

of the absurd are effectively used even without informing the reader that her material departs

from their own expectations of what is real. Her writing is filled with specific, memorable,

seemingly random thoughts that eventually develop deep metaphoric power.

"On the whole," Dillard writes, " I do not find Christians, outside of the catacombs,

sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so

blithely invoke?" This statement implies that institutionalized religion has somehow lessened the

true emotions and freedoms of nature and experience. Perhaps the structure of an organized

religion sometimes require us to hide our genuine feelings, and replace them with what we are

suppose to be feeling, or following.

Dillard writes in a sly witty commanding tone that shines a mystical light around ideas in

Also consider her use of key words and phrases associated with destruction and

religious principle or moral attitude. Dillard's writing style demands much of the casual everyday

question, "Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke ?" sounds

writing. Consider her word choice for the first question. She uses the word "foggiest" in the same

checklist, rather than on true and sincere faith in God. Perhaps Dillard knows she is one of them,

Approximate Word count = 901
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.