Living Like Weasels: Group Work
Paragraphs 1-2
 Cite specific evidence of what features of a weasel’s existence make it wild.
violent?
 How do the two stories illustrate the instinctual nature of the weasel?
Paragraphs 3-7
 How is human presence juxtaposed with the natural elements of Hollins Pond?
Cite examples.
Paragraphs 8-13
 What comparisons does Dillard make to describe the weasel? (figurative language)
Find examples of similes and metaphors.
 Cite evidence to show the effect of the encounter with the weasel on Dillard.
Paragraphs 14-17
 What was Dillard’s purpose in coming to Hollins Pond?
 Cite evidence of what Dillard means by living in necessity.
 What does Dillard mean in paragraph 15 when she imagines going “out of your
ever-loving mind and back to your careless senses”? What does she mean by
“careless” in that sentence?
 Dillard urges her readers to “stalk your calling” by “plug[ging] into” your purpose.
What message is she trying to convey in the final two paragraphs with these
words?
 How does Dillard’s substitution of the reader for the original image of the weasel
dangling from the neck of the eagle contribute to your understanding of her
overall message?
Overall style
 What is the purpose of so many short sentences? Why are they located where they
are in the essay?
 At the end of paragraphs 12 and 13, what is the effect of the several questions
raised by Dillard?
 How is Dillard’s decision to write reflectively about living an unreflective life
paradoxical?
 Select one of Dillard’s sentences and succinctly but insightfully explain how she
explores an idea that is reflected in her writing style.