rssenglishworld, The English Literature and Grammar Digest

Beethoven  by Shane Koyczan Section 1: Abusive Childhood and Forced Genius (“Listen. / His father made a habit out of hitting him… Beethoven.”) Paraphrase: The poet begins by asking the reader to listen carefully. Beethoven’s father was violent and abusive. Like some men who drink, shout, or beat their children, he did all three. His cruelty came from a desire to make his son a genius. Beethoven grew up in a home where his name had no value and kindness had to be earned. Only flawless music could win approval. Each perfect note had to rise heavenward, as if pleasing angels, yet even that was not enough. Beethoven, a child who already had hearing problems, poured immense passion into his music but received no mercy. Section 2: Relentless Practice and Constant Rejection (“Who heard his father’s anthem… it was NOT GOOD ENOUGH.”) Paraphrase: Whenever Beethoven touched the piano keys, he heard his father’s harsh judgment telling him he was inadequate. He tried playing slowly, softl...

My Financial Career  by Stephen Leacock When  I go into a bank I get rattled. The clerks rattle me; the wickets rattle me; the sight of the money rattles me; everything rattles me.  The moment I cross the  threshold of a bank and attempt to transact business there, I become an irresponsible idiot.  I knew this beforehand, but my salary had been raised to fifty dollars a month and I felt that the bank was the only place for it.  So I shambled in and looked timidly round at the clerks. I had an idea that a person about to open an account must consult the manager. I went up to a wicket marked 'Accountant'. The accountant was a tall, cool  devil.  The very sight of him rattled me. My voice was sepulchral.  'Can I see the manager?' I said, and added solemnly, 'alone'. I don't know why I said 'alone',  'Certainly,' said the accountant and fetched him.  The manager was a grave, calm man. I held my fifty-six dollars clutched in a crumpled b...