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,
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 901
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
Category: Novels
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