Reading Response Week 2

            For my reading response, once again I’m writing on Abducted by Circumstance. However, my response is going to be on Dr. Davidson’s request that we pick out five “showing” passages from the book. In the beginning of the book, there were most instances of this happening. Toward the end of the book, there were fewer instances. Since we have focused mainly on showing and not telling lately, I found it appropriate to discuss my two favorite examples.

            On page 81, the beginning of Chapter Four, Madden unfolds the scenery Carol’s pictures in her mind about the kidnapper. Carol pictures him smoking and how he smokes. He sucks in the smoke, pauses for a moment, then “spews” out the smoke. As he continues, the reader can see the flex in his muscles, the way his voice sounds, etc. I really like the way he writes, “when he speaks, like that southern redneck TV evangelist.” Growing up in the south, I can definitely say that I can concretely imagine the kind of voice the kidnapper has in her mind.

            The second “showing not telling” instance that I highlighted was in Carol’s description of James on page 71. I always read it that she sees him on a pedestal; but, Carol did say in the beginning of the book that James was the love of her life. She talks about his eyes and how he displayed himself in front of her desk. I just love the delicate detail of her description. The way Madden writes it, not only does the reader have a clear description of James but there is the undertone of her feelings for him. At least in my opinion, I see it that way.