●Text Analysis

1.Theme

The theme is summed up at the very end. Let’s slow down and enjoy what nature offers us and what mankind has left us and rediscover life.

2.Structure

1) Part 1 (Paras. 1-3): Her ride on fast roads and her return trip of a country road.

2) Part 2 (Paras. 4-6): Now instead of later / Faster instead of slower / Superficially instead of thoroughly

3) Part 3 (Paras. 7-8): Slow down and rediscover life.

3.Detailed Questions

Question:

●What made the writer come to think about the lifestyle of American people?

The writer took a week’s vacation in West Virginia. When she took the Turnpike to get there, she found the trip fast but very dull. When she came back, she took another way to slow down and enjoy the county life, which she found full of fun. The contrast made the writer think about whether the fast lane life of modern American people is the only lifestyle of people.

●How do you understand “deferred gratification”?

In the past, Americans were patient to have their desires satisfied. They knew that it would take them some time to satisfy their needs. If they were patient enough, they would have more pleasure when they finally got what they wanted.

●What does the writer intend to emphasize, using this rhetorical question?

Eagle is the symbol of the U.S. When it is used as the logo of Express Mail, it has the symbolic meaning that the whole nation desires to be fast. The writer intends to emphasize that the Americans can no longer wait for anything. The slightest delay would get them angry beyond measure.

●How can personal relationships be “compressed”? How do you understand “quality time”?

The time we spend with our loved ones is compressed, so our personal relationships is no longer the same as before.

“Quality time” means you give full attention to someone in limited time. It is in contrast with “quantity of time”. In America, people are too busy to spend time with their loved ones, so they believe “quality time” is a solution. But actually, “quality time” means less time.

●How do you understand “iceberg principle”?

Icebergs float with only about 10% of their bulk above the surface of the water, therefore the much larger part is out of sight. Modern people are paying attention to surface of everything, but ignoring the real content, which is usually the core of everything.

●What suggestions did the writer give to the modern people?

The writer suggested that the modern people should slow down the fast pace, touching and enjoying every details of life. Only in this way, can we rediscover life.

●What is the meaning of “quick fix”?

“Fix” means solution. “Quick fix” in this essay means quick. It refers to the lifestyle of modern people who are impatient to get everything done and want to find the quick solution to everything.

4. Further Discussion

●Why did the writer take the turnpikes and interstates? Did they have any fun on the way?

●Why did the writer take another way back? How did she feel this time?

●What is the attitude of modern people to do everything? How does it affect our life?

●Why did the author write this article? Was she suggesting we stop using all time-saving techniques and products?