pink elephant

(Corbett) Imitation Exercises

Model Imitation Exercise

Model:

The gallows stood in a small yard, separate from the main grounds of the prison and overgrown with tall prickly weeds. –George Orwell, Burmese Days

Imitation:

The doctor waited patiently, his stethoscope hanging around his neck, symbolizing his authoritative position.

Model:

He went through the narrow alley of Temple Bar quickly, muttering to himself that they could all go to hell because he was going to have a good night of it.  –James Joyce, “Counter Parts”

Imitation:

He stared at his patient, contemptuously, wondering if he wanted to waste his time on a man that would not make it.

Model:

To regain the stage in its own character, not as a mere emulation of prose, poetry must find its own poetic way to the mastery the stage demands—the mastery of action.  –Archibald MacLeish, “The Poet as Playwright”

Imitation:

To regain his professionalism, not only for the sake of his patient, he straightened his tie and began to recite the diagnosis.

Model:

The gallows stood in a small yard, separate from the main grounds and overgrown with tall prickly weeds.  –George Orwell, Burmese Days

Variation:

In a small yard stood the gallows, overgrown with tall prickly weeds and separate from the main grounds.

Alternate Expressions:

Separate from the main grounds stood the gallows in small yard, overgrown with tall prickly weeds.

 Overgrown with tall prickly weeds, stood the gallows in a small yard; separate from the main grounds.