Building A1

Building~A1
For your first lesson, I want you to read the excerpt above and see if you can identify with the emotion of either of the two main characters. What did you feel? What kind of response did you notice you had to the exchange?
(a.) Write a minimum of a 600 word paragraph analysis of what you experienced in reading this for emotion.
(b.) Copy and paste the above excerpt into a word file and highlight all metaphors in blue, all similies in green, and all the adjectives that you felt especially helped you identify with the characters feelings or reactions in red
Part A
These characters obviously have an involved history. Even in this small piece you can tell Reid is self-possessed and confident. In this excerpt, Reid is surprised and perhaps slightly annoyed with Polly’s co-workers. He admires their devotion to her even seeing that it means he is persona non grata and the word is out she does not want to see him. Taking this apparent rebuff in stride, he takes the time to search her out through well-meaning staff and the maze of her office building. He starts the conversation in a businesslike manner while nostalgic for a response he remembers. His desire to reconnect with her is evident.  Polly is distant and professional, keeping a protective stance in her approach to Reid. She appears to be unwilling to let her defenses down, making it clear she considers him a package deal with his wife. A clipped, professional tone and an aloof attitude provide effective barriers to keep Reid at an emotional distance. Presenting him with her business card further shields her from uncomfortable personal conversation.
Reid is hurt but undaunted by her attitude. The mention of his wife brings to the forefront painful memories of her loss but he balances this with a healthy desire to move ahead with his life. He had a plan when he went into her office and he struggles to keep on course. Her eyes have betrayed her emotions and he is aware of the tumult brewing there. Knowing that Polly is not aware of the death of his wife, he pushes through his grief and asks Polly if she will have dinner with him. For me this is the emotional peak of this piece.  Secure in her business persona, Polly sets out to establish the parameters of their present and future relationship. First she takes control of the situation by refusing his offer of dinner that night, she then proceeds to provide a counter offer again acknowledging his status as a married man. With every fiber she exerts her desire to let him know where she stands.  Nothing has gone the way he had planned and Reid has reached the end of his patience.  He reacts to her reply by immediately telling Polly about the death of his wife from breast cancer.  You can feel the tension in the scene and the anguish in her voice but it is too late to save the moment. Her rejection has been too complete and has stung too deeply for Reid to shrug it away.  Turning her actions with her business card against her now he duplicates her antics. His use of his business card has the air of tossing down a gauntlet, a challenge to Polly.  With a few words, he puts the ball in her court.  Also, by saying who he would be with he clearly demonstrated his displeasure at her earlier characterization of his traveling companions. The void left when he leaves is painful for Polly. She cares for Reid and sees that she has hurt him and unjustly judged him.  You can’t help but wonder how she will repair the gulf she has created and if Reid will try to make it easier for her.  This piece moved through a range of emotions from anxiousness and hopefulness to pain and guilt. The characters are complex and the situation is compelling and pulls you into the narrative.
Part B

“Could you recommend a good golf course close by?” Reid’s well sculptured frame filled the doorway of Polly’s office. An easy smile played on his lips as he arched an eyebrow. “I was hoping for a recommendation. “ He was watching her expectantly; hoping her eyes were still as expressive as in years gone by.

Finding his way back to her office in the confusing old building was a trial. When the German immigrants built then later added on to structures, there was never any logical explanation as to the flow, and so it was in this building. Polly’s office was in the very bowels of the grand old edifice, but was ultimately accessible by other pathways than straight through the kitchen. He had been impressed at the strong devotion of Polly’s staff when he had asked to see her. When he had asked several employees to tell her he wished a word, all had emphatically implied that she was busy and could not be seen at the time. After the momentary look of surprise that turned, spun into instant recognition; apprehensive and untamed when he asked her about the cola, Reid could only presume that she gave word that she would not receive him.


Polly’s eyes widened visibly as she looked up from reviewing the documents before her. “I assume you and the rest of the gentlemen are consigned to seeking other amusements while your wives shop and indulge in our local spa services?” She assessed; settling her features into a more passive expression.

Reid momentarily looked away as if she had sucker punched him. She obviously had not heard that his wife had died earlier in the year.

“You’ll want to try the Hidden Springs Resort course here on the edge of town.” The reply was aloof and remained all business. Signing a business card and extending it in his direction she added: “Just present this at the club house. Gerald will take fine care of you. Enjoy your day.”

Reid met her reticent look, sighed and shifted his gaze to the floor. He could not miss the battle behind those storm cloud blue eyes. It was a struggle to play it cool. Clearing his throat and shaking off his own unexpected emotions he said: “Have dinner with me tonight.”

“I have an appointment for early evening that I cannot reschedule. I would immensely enjoy the opportunity to dine with you and your lovely wife, I am sure. Maybe if you are not otherwise committed, plans could be made for tomorrow evening?”

Sucking in a sharp breath, Reid reacted to her chilly words as if she had openly slapped him. “Polly, my wife died of breast cancer just over nine months ago. Dinner would be just you…and me.”

“I am sorry, Reid. I had no idea.”

“Yeah, I got that part.” Reid ground out. Reaching for his card case, he flipped his business card onto the desk in front of her. “I will be here golfing for the next seven days. I would like to take you to dinner. Now excuse me, my brother and cousins are waiting.” Turning on his heel, he strode away and was quickly gone, leaving Polly to her bewildered expression.

The encounter had not gone as planned in any way. Polly had treated him with detached formality; a fairly appropriate response for their past history with the assumption that he was a married man. Reid’s heart was writhing painfully in his chest. She had not known he was a widower. The strength of his hopes for an easy reentry into her life had certainly been diminished.

(excerpt from: Lizzie's Table-- Author: Olivia Victorious