Annie Dillard "Total Eclipse" Purpose Discussion

As you write, try to consider the impact of the text on a reasonable, inquisitive audience. We can't know what the author thought, but we can understand ideas, meaning, emotions, purposes established by her words.

*make the reader examine and reflect upon what they value and not take events or relationships for granted
*the readers experience death of a perspective on life and a change in perspective about how we understand the world...

*what the reader gets out of total eclipse is a unique perspective on a natural phenomenon that is different than what others witnessing the same event might see

*Dillard explains the Epiphany she had regarding the nature of the mind while viewing a full solar eclipse, prompting reader to contemplate the solidity of their personal understanding of life and significance

*express concepts of self-awareness and mental survival instincts to preserve these understandings

*change views on human life and the role of humans and their place on earth after her observations of the total eclipse

*communicate an experience that changed her understanding of the meaning of life and compel the reader to reflect on the significance of their own life.