Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Simon give to his friend as a token of gratitude?
What does Simon give to his friend as a token of gratitude?
What item does Simon mention he still has after offering his cross?
What item does Simon mention he still has after offering his cross?
What reaction does Bette have when she sees Franklin the heron?
What reaction does Bette have when she sees Franklin the heron?
What significant item does Franklin drop that leads to a moment of panic?
What significant item does Franklin drop that leads to a moment of panic?
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How does Og react upon finding Simon's lifeless body?
How does Og react upon finding Simon's lifeless body?
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What word does Og repeatedly cry after discovering Simon's death?
What word does Og repeatedly cry after discovering Simon's death?
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What promise does Og make regarding the wooden cross?
What promise does Og make regarding the wooden cross?
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What landmark event does Og associate with the beginning of declining summer in Langville?
What landmark event does Og associate with the beginning of declining summer in Langville?
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How many copies of the final draft did Og prepare?
How many copies of the final draft did Og prepare?
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What is Simon's initial reaction upon seeing the brown envelope?
What is Simon's initial reaction upon seeing the brown envelope?
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How does Simon describe the written work when he reads it?
How does Simon describe the written work when he reads it?
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What does Simon suggest may be the impact of the written work on humanity?
What does Simon suggest may be the impact of the written work on humanity?
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What metaphor does Simon use when addressing the value of the written work?
What metaphor does Simon use when addressing the value of the written work?
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What role does Og claim to have played in the creation of the written work?
What role does Og claim to have played in the creation of the written work?
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What aspect of Og's feelings are highlighted when he hands the envelope to Simon?
What aspect of Og's feelings are highlighted when he hands the envelope to Simon?
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Study Notes
A Visit with Simon
- The narrator, a writer, visits Simon, an old man residing in a secluded area called Old Pound.
- Simon is working on a project - a collection of "elemental resolutions" aimed at promoting self-improvement and happiness.
- Simon entrusts the narrator with a copy of his work, expressing his belief that it can have a transformative impact on the world.
- The narrator is deeply moved by Simon’s work and feels honored to have played a role.
- Simon gives the narrator his old wooden cross as a gesture of gratitude and friendship, but the narrator declines, feeling it’s a personal treasure.
- Simon offers a corncob pipe as another token of appreciation, and the narrator departs after promising to return soon.
A Symbolic Gift
- While the narrator is at home, a great blue heron named Franklin lands on his roof and drops a corncob pipe - Simon's pipe.
- This event fills the narrator with dread and a sense of foreboding.
- Immediately realizing something is amiss, the narrator rushes back to Old Pound.
A Tragic Discovery
- The narrator finds Simon lifeless, sitting on the stone wall.
- The narrator is devastated and expresses his grief through the repeated word “Mizpah,” a Hebrew word meaning "watchtower" or "place of meeting," suggesting the narrator's hope for a reunion with Simon.
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Description
Explore the poignant narrative of a writer's visit to Simon, an old man devoted to self-improvement and happiness. The exchange of gifts and the profound impact of Simon's work leave the narrator reflective and changed. Discover the significance of symbolic gestures and the connection between the two characters.
