In Annie Dillard’s A Chase, a group of young children, including seven-year-old Annie, are chased by a man in a black Buick car. After the end of football and baseball season, Annie and her friends entertain themselves by throwing snowballs at passing cars. Unexpectedly, one car stops after being hit, causing the children to sense danger and flee for their lives. Despite their attempts to escape through running, jumping, and hiding, the man in the black Buick eventually catches up to Annie and her friend Mikey. Before releasing them, he insults them with the words “you stupid kids.”
During the chase, Dillard constantly desired for the glory to endure indefinitely (16). She persistently persevered, similar to the man in the black Buick, as they both wholeheartedly engaged in the pursuit. What truly matters is their unwavering determination. This essay aims to convey the message that when engaging in activities that one loves, it is crucial to do so with passion. It is important to never give up or settle, but instead, set goals for oneself, whether it be in the realm of education, work, or, like Dillard, sports. Setting goals allows individuals to achieve and strive for something greater than their current knowledge or abilities.
Reading A Chase brought back many childhood memories. When I started the 4th grade, I enjoyed soccer. Like Dillard, I was the only girl playing with the boys, and I loved it. Boys always saw me as a “tomboy,” even though I never considered myself one. A sport was a big similarity between Dillard and me; it’s easier for me to understand her view of the chase. From flinging and throwing herself to the boys’ legs, and I kicking and chasing after the ball.
Lessons have an impact on our lives, whether they stem from positive or negative experiences. In Dillard’s concise essay, she shares the valuable lesson she learned about the consequences of throwing snow at someone’s car without considering their potential reaction. In her own encounter, she ended up being chased and caught. From this, I gathered a crucial lesson: to prioritize safety and exercise caution. When we make irresponsible decisions, we often invite undesirable problems. However, I was fortunate in my own situation, ultimately turning it into a positive outcome.
Dillard was fascinated by the consequences that arose during a chase in A Chase. She had a strong desire to be pursued further, even if it meant reaching the Panama Jungles. The man driving the black Buick showed unwavering determination in chasing after the “stupid kids” to teach them a lesson. His aim was to demonstrate the outcomes that can occur from playing and throwing snow at cars. While another person might have resorted to violence or extreme measures, he simply sought a valuable lesson through the pursuit’s conclusion. Accidents, injuries to individuals, and vehicle damage are some of the other consequences that can arise as well. However, it is unfair to hold a seven-year-old girl accountable for such repercussions; this is where these additional problems stem from.
As the reader, I interpreted this essay as emphasizing the importance of giving one’s all and approaching tasks with wholeheartedness. Setting goals is crucial for personal growth and improvement. Personally, I have set goals and I am striving to achieve even greater heights. In the story A Chase, both Dillard and the man who chased her demonstrated unwavering determination. They both sought to make something meaningful out of that pursuit. Similarly, my goal is to successfully complete this semester and pass all my classes. I aspire to accomplish all my goals and feel proud of myself for never giving up.
