Student Q: Explain the meaning of the paradox “seldom being happier since.”
Miss Mary A:
I believe you are referring to a quote from Annie Dillard’s memoir An American Childhood that states, “In winter, in the snow, there was neither baseball nor football, so the boys and I threw snowballs at passing cars. I got in trouble throwing snowballs, and have seldom been happier since.”
A paradox is a seeming contradictory statement, but one that houses an element of truth. One would think that a child getting “in trouble” would be an unpleasant experience, a memory not to be savored; however, Dillard reflects on this event of her childhood as the happiest one she’s had thus far. That seems like a contradictory notion. Not until taken in a broader context can truth be extracted from the statement.
The happiness Dillard feels looking back is likely a testament to the lack of fun abandon found in her adulthood as compared to the innocence prevalent in her childhood. Further, note that her happiness then was despite the lack of tangible, lasting toys that come at a monetary price. She and her brothers were able to use a fleeting element of nature to make lasting fond memories.
I hope you find this explanation helpful.
Gerunds
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Symbolism
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Appositives
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Sneaked or Snuck?
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Student Q: Most Important
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Student Q: What’s the most important concept I should study for the ACT English section?
Miss Mary A:
I am so glad to hear that you are studying for your exam! From my view, all of it is important, but I will tell you this: the single most troublesome issue students exhibit, the one that is questioned repeatedly on the ACT and SAT exams, is the difference between the colon and the semicolon.
In one session, I can teach you what you need to know regarding colons and semicolons. Contact me to book a private Skype appointment. Learn more about my private tutoring services.
Infinitives
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014An infinitive is one of three types of verbals. It’s the “to” form of a verb, and it can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
(infinitive acting as a noun—in this case, the subject of the sentence)
(infinitive acting as a noun—in this case, the direct object of the verb)
(infinitive acting as a noun—in this case, the subject complement)
(infinitive acting as an adjective to define the noun “rules”)
(infinitive acting as an adverb to define the verb “went”)
Student Q: A Separate Peace
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Miss Mary A:
As a teacher, I will not give you direct answers that will complete your school assignment for you. I will, however, offer some hints that might prompt your own ideas. Then, you can flip through your book for the page numbers of specific examples.
Think about the overall vitality of Phineas, his carefree and adventurous nature, his vibrant energy and athleticism. Are they not youthful aspects? Consider how he breaks rules and ignores authority. Isn’t he boisterous and spontaneous? Are these qualities generally associated with adulthood?
I have faith in you. If you’ve read A Separate Peace, you’ll be able to come up with the information expected of you.
Student Q: Paradox – Seldom Happier
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Miss Mary A:
I believe you are referring to a quote from Annie Dillard’s memoir An American Childhood that states, “In winter, in the snow, there was neither baseball nor football, so the boys and I threw snowballs at passing cars. I got in trouble throwing snowballs, and have seldom been happier since.”
A paradox is a seeming contradictory statement, but one that houses an element of truth. One would think that a child getting “in trouble” would be an unpleasant experience, a memory not to be savored; however, Dillard reflects on this event of her childhood as the happiest one she’s had thus far. That seems like a contradictory notion. Not until taken in a broader context can truth be extracted from the statement.
The happiness Dillard feels looking back is likely a testament to the lack of fun abandon found in her adulthood as compared to the innocence prevalent in her childhood. Further, note that her happiness then was despite the lack of tangible, lasting toys that come at a monetary price. She and her brothers were able to use a fleeting element of nature to make lasting fond memories.
I hope you find this explanation helpful.
Resource: Are you trying to learn basic English vocabulary?
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Student Q: Was the novel Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov written in Russian?
/in Student Resources /by englishbooks2014Lolita was originally written in English. It was first published in Europe in 1955, then in America in 1958. The author translated it to Russian, his native language, in 1967.