"I am a Pencil" Analysis

Analysis
“I am a Pencil” Page 261
“She did rewrite the story… [but] Her heart wasn’t in it.”

In this chapter, Swope takes the class to the park in the middle of winter, where they examine buds on tree branches. The focus of the passage is mostly on Su Jung, one of the better writers in the class. Swope continuously questions parts of her story, hoping that she will take it a little further each time. This quote was said after Swope reread Su Jung’s revised paper. He noticed her thoughtful revisions that showed her taking into account the suggestions that he had given her. Although she made changes to her original story, he could tell that she lacked the drive to become an exceptional writer.
In this chapter, I see Swope’s struggle to find motivation for his students. Swope is such a devoted and passionate writer. He sees so much potential in many of the students, especially with Su Jung. However, he realizes that Su Jung does not have the enthusiasm behind her writing. She is going through the motions, even incorporating pieces of her own life into each piece; however, she lacks the passion that Swope has.
Swope recognizes that he can only do so much for his class. He is able to teach the students how to write and offer them guidance or suggestions to help them. However, he is not able to convey his passion for writing to the children because passion is something that cannot be taught. Swope hopes that these talented writers will eventually attain that passion, but he understands that this may never happen.