Mississippi Solo Study Guide (L.A.)

What sentence fragments are in this line? What ideas do you have about why the author chose to write in this style?

"No singing, no thinking, no talking to myself. Just feeling. " These fragments make a good connection to meaning—as if he's not even thinking connected thoughts.

What evidence describes what the tips of the trees are being compared to? Describe the impact this simile has on the text.

"The tips of trees bent way over" are "like fishing rods hooked on a big one." The simile deepens the description of the bending trees, creating an image of arched branches straining against a force, like a fishing rod strains when a big fish is hooked.

Why does the author turn to the trees instead of trying to get to the shore?

The river "spoke" to him and grabbed the end of his canoe.

What word choices and figurative language help you picture the scene?

Examples of figurative and descriptive language: "the sky split open with a loud crash"; "a splintery crackle of lightning"; the bent treetops were "like fishing rods hooked on a big one"; the rising water was "like the tide rushing upstream"; "trees swooshed loudly"; rain "poured down in bucketfuls." All of this imagery comes in a rush, suggesting a flood and conveying the sounds, sights, and feelings of the storm.

How did events shape his ideas about the episode?

His reaction to the danger is surprising, even to him. He doesn't feel worried or fearful, but safe and protected, as if he's in a "cocoon." The storm has sparked a reaction in him—a feeling of calm— leading him to conclude that he is "one with the river."

Find an example of one or more sentence fragments. Why might the author have chosen to use fragments instead of complete sentences, and what does it suggest about the style of his writing?

In lines 81-82, the author strings together these fragments: "The heavy winds, the amount of water, the warmth of the air, and the cold rain." The author uses fragments here and elsewhere to reflect his thinking at the moment that he is experiencing events. Thoughts and images come to mind in incomplete sentences, as they often do in life. The author also uses fragments, which are more conversational, to create a more informal style.

Describe the author's feelings during the height of the storm. Why did he feel that way?

It's surprising that the author is "not worried," even though drowning or other harm seems possible. He is "more amazed than anything" at feeling protected by the river. His feeling of being "one with this river" is unexpected, because experiencing a severe storm while being vulnerable in a canoe usually creates the feeling of fear.

What does the author compare to walking with a favorite niece or nephew. What does that comparison suggest? How does he use personification extend this metaphor in these lines?

The author compares his figurative conversation with the river to a pleasant experience with a young niece or nephew jabbering away on a walk to "no place in particular." The comparison suggests a familiar, easy, friendly experience. The author uses personification when he talks about the river as a friend and companion: "A comfortable buddy sharing a lazy day." (line 20). He describes the river as talking to him: "Then the river whispered, 'Get ready. Get ready.'" (line 25).

What kind of figurative language is the author using, and what does it suggest about his connection to his environment?

The author is using personification to develop his idea that the river has human qualities. The river is talking to him and is warning him to prepare for danger.

How does the author personify the river? What effect does this comparison have on the text?

The author says, "The river was talking to me"; "A comfortable buddy sharing a lazy day." "The river kept me company and kept me satisfied." "Then the river whispered, 'Get ready. Get ready.' " This language suggests a connection between the author and the river, as if the river is a human friend.

What evidence in these lines reveals that this text is a memoir?

The author uses the pronoun I and gives personal information about "hard days" and "scary times" in his past.

What elements of a memoir are present? What does the author reveal about himself?

The elements of a memoir in lines 1-10 are the use of first person point of view and the casual, conversational way the author "talks" to the reader. The author is in a relaxed, philosophical frame of mind, thinking about what is important in life. He reflects on "hard days" and "scary times" in the past, and he is appreciating the "peaceful, easy, glorious days" of the present.

How have events already shaped the author's ideas about this day?

This indicates he is writing about a personal experience. Previous events that created "hard days" make the author appreciate peaceful days

What ideas do you have about why this particular episode is so memorable for the author?

This particular episode is memorable to the author because the only thing keeping him safe was the tree he was hugging and the whole experience was a once in a lifetime one.