Push It Analysis
Joshua Cram
Greatness, to Give it All True to the title, Annie Dillard’s Essay “Push It”, gives readers insight into the essence of great writing. Great writing strives to show the effort put forth to produce such a work. Great writing does not just come about, but rather is time consuming and all-encompassing task that the writer must pour themselves into. A great piece of writing creates insight in readers, insight into the mysteries of life, and a sense of pride in the author, for all the heart he put into it. Great writing comes about by the absolute dedication of the writer to pour himself into the writing, to give everything, to lie all of your ideas out, and fear not the chance of rejection. For great writing to occur, the author must devote themselves wholly to the task, “Probe and search each object in a piece of art; do not leave it, do not course over it, as if it were understood, but instead follow it down until you see it I the mystery of its own specificity and strength” (378). One must examine every aspect, every detail of the piece written. Each piece of each work is important, for each is chosen for a specific purpose, whether to emphasize the message of the piece as a whole, or to strengthen the meaning of particular sentences, every word, every line, and every paragraph is necessary. Great writing occurs when the author gives the process their all, it occurs when time is spent on the work, each written word given thought, and meaning placed behind every line. Writing should consume the mind and soul, and if it does, then the writing will astound those who read it. “Why are we reading, if not in the hope that the writer will magnify and dramatize our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom, courage and the hope of meaningfulness, and press upon our minds the deepest mysteries, so we may feel again their majesty and power?” (377). The question a writer must ask of themselves, is why? A reader will ask why, so a writer must ask why.
Greatness, to Give it All True to the title, Annie Dillard’s Essay “Push It”, gives readers insight into the essence of great writing. Great writing strives to show the effort put forth to produce such a work. Great writing does not just come about, but rather is time consuming and all-encompassing task that the writer must pour themselves into. A great piece of writing creates insight in readers, insight into the mysteries of life, and a sense of pride in the author, for all the heart he put into it. Great writing comes about by the absolute dedication of the writer to pour himself into the writing, to give everything, to lie all of your ideas out, and fear not the chance of rejection. For great writing to occur, the author must devote themselves wholly to the task, “Probe and search each object in a piece of art; do not leave it, do not course over it, as if it were understood, but instead follow it down until you see it I the mystery of its own specificity and strength” (378). One must examine every aspect, every detail of the piece written. Each piece of each work is important, for each is chosen for a specific purpose, whether to emphasize the message of the piece as a whole, or to strengthen the meaning of particular sentences, every word, every line, and every paragraph is necessary. Great writing occurs when the author gives the process their all, it occurs when time is spent on the work, each written word given thought, and meaning placed behind every line. Writing should consume the mind and soul, and if it does, then the writing will astound those who read it. “Why are we reading, if not in the hope that the writer will magnify and dramatize our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom, courage and the hope of meaningfulness, and press upon our minds the deepest mysteries, so we may feel again their majesty and power?” (377). The question a writer must ask of themselves, is why? A reader will ask why, so a writer must ask why.