| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: This was the forest near Ingolstadt; and here I lay by the side
of a brook resting from my fatigue, until I felt tormented by
hunger and thirst. This roused me from my nearly dormant state,
and I ate some berries which I found hanging on the trees or
lying on the ground. I slaked my thirst at the brook, and then
lying down, was overcome by sleep.
"It was dark when I awoke; I felt cold also, and half frightened,
as it were, instinctively, finding myself so desolate. Before I
had quitted your apartment, on a sensation of cold, I had covered
myself with some clothes, but these were insufficient to secure me
from the dews of night. I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch;
Frankenstein |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Protagoras by Plato: given by Prometheus (who stole them), whereas justice and reverence and the
political virtues could only be imparted by Zeus; (8) in the latter part of
the Dialogue, when Socrates is arguing that 'pleasure is the only good,'
Protagoras deems it more in accordance with his character to maintain that
'some pleasures only are good;' and admits that 'he, above all other men,
is bound to say "that wisdom and knowledge are the highest of human
things."'
There is no reason to suppose that in all this Plato is depicting an
imaginary Protagoras; he seems to be showing us the teaching of the
Sophists under the milder aspect under which he once regarded them. Nor is
there any reason to doubt that Socrates is equally an historical character,
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Richard III by William Shakespeare: Richmond;
But I'll not trust thee.
STANLEY. Most mighty sovereign,
You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful.
I never was nor never will be false.
KING RICHARD. Go, then, and muster men. But leave behind
Your son, George Stanley. Look your heart be firm,
Or else his head's assurance is but frail.
STANLEY. So deal with him as I prove true to you. Exit
Enter a MESSENGER
MESSENGER. My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire,
Richard III |
