The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe: passing away into the distance. I say that even their exceeding
density did not prevent our perceiving this--yet we had no
glimpse of the moon or stars--nor was there any flashing forth of
the lightning. But the under surfaces of the huge masses of
agitated vapor, as well as all terrestrial objects immediately
around us, were glowing in the unnatural light of a faintly
luminous and distinctly visible gaseous exhalation which hung
about and enshrouded the mansion.
"You must not--you shall not behold this!" said I,
shudderingly, to Usher, as I led him, with a gentle violence,
from the window to a seat. "These appearances, which bewilder
 The Fall of the House of Usher |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne: torrent."
"A torrent?" I exclaimed.
"There can be no doubt; a subterranean river is flowing around us."
We hurried forward in the greatest excitement. I was no longer
sensible of my fatigue. This murmuring of waters close at hand was
already refreshing me. It was audibly increasing. The torrent, after
having for some time flowed over our heads, was now running within
the left wall, roaring and rushing. Frequently I touched the wall,
hoping to feel some indications of moisture: But there was no hope
here.
Yet another half hour, another half league was passed.
 Journey to the Center of the Earth |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Fanny Herself by Edna Ferber: "Perhaps because I'm tired. And there's something else I
must do."
Ella looked relieved. Fenger's eyes bored down upon Fanny,
but she seemed not to feel them. She held out her hand.
"You're going back to-morrow?" Fenger asked. "I'm not
leaving until Thursday."
"To-morrow, with Ella. Good-by. It's been a glorious
drive. I feel quite rested."
"You just said you were tired."
The elevator door clanged, shutting out the sight of
Fenger's resentful frown.
 Fanny Herself |