| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Herodias by Gustave Flaubert: sandalwood, whose capitals were of sculptured bonze. On each side of
the apartment was a gallery for spectators, and a third, with a facade
of gold filigree, was at one end, opposite an immense arch at the
other.
The candelabra burning on the tables, which were spread the whole
length of the banqueting-hall, glowed like clusters of flaming flowers
among the painted cups, the plates of shining copper, the cubes of
snow and heaps of luscious grapes. Through the large windows the
guests could see lighted torches on the terraces of the neighbouring
houses; for this night Antipas was giving a feast to his friends, his
own people, and to anyone that presented himself at the castle.
Herodias |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Awakening & Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin: but as often as not it was some interesting married woman.
For two consecutive seasons he lived in the sunlight of
Mademoiselle Duvigne's presence. But she died between summers;
then Robert posed as an inconsolable, prostrating himself at the
feet of Madame Ratignolle for whatever crumbs of sympathy and
comfort she might be pleased to vouchsafe.
Mrs. Pontellier liked to sit and gaze at her fair companion as
she might look upon a faultless Madonna.
"Could any one fathom the cruelty beneath that fair exterior?"
murmured Robert. "She knew that I adored her once, and she let me
adore her. It was `Robert, come; go; stand up; sit down; do this;
Awakening & Selected Short Stories |
