in "The Death of the Moth", written in 1942 by Virginia Woolf, why in paragraph 2 does Woolf say that the moth was "little or nothing but life"? Why/How is the moth pitiable?
In "The Death of the Moth," Virginia Woolf describes the moth as "little or nothing but life" because it represents the fragile and fleeting nature of existence. The moth's entire existence revolves around the pursuit of survival, constantly seeking out light and warmth to sustain itself. Woolf suggests that the moth's entire being is consumed by this primal instinct to cling onto life, making it appear insignificant and vulnerable in comparison to larger, more complex creatures.
The moth is pitiable because despite its tenacious determination to cling onto life, it ultimately meets its demise in a tragic and futile manner. Woolf describes the moth's struggle against the forces of death, as it futilely attempts to navigate its way towards the window and freedom. The moth's frantic movements and its ultimate collapse symbolize the inevitability of mortality and the futility of resisting it.
Overall, Woolf portrays the moth as a poignant and tragic figure, highlighting the vulnerability and transience of life in the face of death. The moth's pathetic struggle evokes a sense of sympathy and compassion from the reader, underscoring Woolf's exploration of the poignant beauty and tragedy of existence.