“The Chase” by Annie Dillard

The Chase is a story by Annie Dillard, reflecting her childhood memories and experiences, the times spent with neighborhood boys and playing sports with them. Most of people have their childhood memories stored somewhere deep in their minds, because these are cherished and unforgettable moments, which would never repeat and have significant meaning. The author tells about her memories, mentioning that she was the only girl, playing with boys, because she was said to have “boy’s arm”, in other words she was good at managing the ball during football and baseball games. These descriptions serve a perfect introduction to her chase.

Once her talent in games caused a problem for her. Dillard and other boys were throwing snowballs into the cars and suddenly one of the snowballs hit a man right into his face. This happened probably thanks to her “boy’s arm”. Then there is a detailed description of the chase, when the man followed the children throughout the streets and various places, jumping over the fences and running through the backyards of the houses.  When they were cornered by the man, she was afraid, as she imagined that something terrible was going to happen, but the man said only “You stupid kids”. This was a real relief for the children and Dillard in particular. Very often children overreact to usual things and they remember their reactions till they grow up. Dillard wrote about this “Nothing has required so much of me since as being chased all over Pittsburgh in the middle of winter – running terrified, exhausted – by this sainted, skinny, furious red-headed man who wished to have a word with us.” (Dillard 1988). The story is written with simple language and relatively short sentences, as if it was a story, told by a child, who was overwhelmed by the emotions and at the same time wanted to share only the important details. Upon reading The Chase there is a feeling of passing time, we all used to be children and used to have our bright and scary moments, but they are all gone and there is no way to return.

Works cited:

Dillard, Annie. The Chase. Harper Perennial; 1st Perennial Library Ed edition, 1988

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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