“Tom struggled awhile and then retired, utterly defeated. There was a weak attempt at applause, but it died early.”
In Tom Sawyer, it is almost impossible to read a chapter and not relate to the text. In chapter 21, the school holiday is approaching and the students and schoolmasters are scrambling to prepare for “examination day,” when most of the town files into the school to watch the students display their learning’s from the year. The majority of students are required to recite a poem or display another skill they have nourished over the year. Student after student achieves his or hers goal of making it through their part of the night, but some students crack under the pressure of performing and cannot persevere through their stage freight. Unfortunately, Tom could not achieve his difficult task and forget what he was reciting, Like Tom, I have experienced the anxieties of performing in front of large audiences. When I read this chapter, I was able to relate to Tom’s anxieties personally. When I was in seventh grade, I took part in a public speaking contest at my school. The contest required us to memorize a piece of literature and present it to our class. If we spoke well when presenting, we got the opportunity to present in front of the entire school. I was fortunate and performed well in my class presentation and received the opportunity of presenting once more in front of the school. On my presenting day, I was filled with anxiety and I felt as if I was going to fail. When I was presenting I forget very little of the piece, but my legs and body shook as a result of my anxiety and I did not advance. It is these types of scenes within the novel that allow us to relate personally and freely to the book.
7 Comments
Tad
10/31/2014 02:07:02
I have not gotten to this point yet, but look forward to it after reading your post.
Reply
Fitz
10/31/2014 02:07:51
This is pretty much perfect . I love how you relate the text to your life. This is what I was/am hoping to see.
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Bennet
11/1/2014 09:33:58
Very good writing. I hate having to speak or perform in front of a large crowd
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William
11/1/2014 21:12:47
You did a great job of relating what you read to your personal expieriences here. Great job!
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Charlie B.
11/3/2014 00:36:16
Great job relating to your own life. Good job
Reply
Owen johnson
11/3/2014 00:54:09
Really great post, I loved the vivid writing of your person experaince
Reply
Charlie Cook
11/19/2014 22:54:47
Great quote, and you related this to you life very well.
Reply
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AuthorHi! I’m Sam Breault! I’m 15 and I attend the Fenn school. WEATHER
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