How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

A visit from Mr. Fox!

In a coop, feathered guards take their stance,
Like Fort Knox, it's a high-security dance.
Mr. Fox eyes the prize, sly and delighted,
But the hens squawk, "Not today, you're uninvited!"
Their eggs are safe – no chicken coop romance!

🐓🏰🦊

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You:

Can you find a quote from Clarissa about her poultry?

Copilot:

Certainly! In Clarissa: or, the History of a Young Lady, there’s a delightful quote where Clarissa mentions her poultry. She says:

“Then they are less watchful, I believe, over my garden walks, and my poultry visits…” 

Nature provides Clarissa with solace, and her poultry becomes a refuge from her house arrest. 🐓🍃

You:

Can you tell me more about Clarissa’s house arrest?

Certainly! In Clarissa: or, the History of a Young Lady, the protagonist, Clarissa Harlowe, experiences a form of house arrest imposed by her family. Here are some key points about her situation:

• Background:

• Clarissa is a virtuous and intelligent young woman who resists her family’s attempts to force her into an unwanted marriage.

• Her refusal to marry the man chosen for her leads to conflict within her family.

• House Arrest:

• As a consequence of her defiance, Clarissa is confined to her family’s estate.

• She is not allowed to leave the house or interact with the outside world freely.

• This confinement is a form of punishment and control, intended to break her spirit and force her compliance.

• Emotional Struggles:

• Clarissa’s house arrest takes a toll on her emotional well-being.

• She longs for freedom, fresh air, and the ability to move about without restrictions.

• Her only solace comes from her interactions with nature, including visits to her garden and time spent with her poultry.

• Symbolism of Poultry:

• Clarissa’s poultry becomes a symbol of her desire for freedom.

• These birds represent a connection to the natural world beyond her confined existence.

• Her visits to the poultry provide a brief respite from the oppressive atmosphere of the house.

In summary, Clarissa’s house arrest serves as a central plot element in the novel, highlighting her struggle for autonomy and the emotional challenges she faces while confined within the walls of her home. 📖🏠

You:
If at first you dont succeed, try, try and try again….is this a quote by someone in particular?

Copilot:
The saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is a motivational adage that encourages perseverance and continuous effort, especially after experiencing failure or setbacks. It emphasizes the importance of not giving up and persistently attempting until success is achieved. While the exact origin of this phrase is not definitively attributed to a single individual, there are a few notable versions:

• Stephen Leacock:

• The Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock crafted a similar joke in 1917: “If at first you don’t succeed, quit, quit at once. If you can’t do a thing the first time you try, you’ll never do it. Try something else while there’s still time.”.

• Leacock’s humorous take suggests that persistence may not always be the best approach.

• Anonymous Version:

• An anonymous version of the saying was already in circulation by 1946: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then stop. No use being silly about it.”.

• W. C. Fields:

• The famous comedian W. C. Fields is often misattributed to a parody version of the saying: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.” However, there is no strong evidence that Fields actually wrote or said this twisted proverb.

In summary, while the saying has been popularized over time, its origins remain somewhat elusive. Regardless, the message of persistence and resilience continues to inspire people to keep trying despite initial setbacks. ⭐⭐⭐

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“Fox” from Falling Awake

By Alice Oswald.  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/90861/fox-57ebdf5d8cd6d