Daily 1

Kristina Daily

Mrs.Scharf

English Per 2

20 August 2016

Rolling Stone Analysis

Teachers always tell their students not to rush through their work, no matter what class it may be.

Though the subject may be different, the reason behind these words are the same: If you rush, you won’t

fully understand and take in what is being given to you. This idea can be applied to life as well, as implied

by the saying, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Although you may want to speed through your life,

going too fast doesn’t give you time to fully take in everything the world has to offer. The phrase, “A

rolling stone gathers no moss” is used to convey the message that if you rush through life, you will miss

out on the good around you.

The connotation of the words relate the inanimate concepts in the aphorism to characteristics that

could be applied to real life. Stone is considered dull and lifeless, and is always remaining still unless

acted upon by an outside force. The “rolling” placed beforehand implies rapid movement, as well as the

uncontrolled acceleration of the stone as it continues tumbling down wildly. By combining these two

words and their meanings, it shows the stone in an unnatural state of movement with little control,

implying that the stone is not meant to be fast-paced and rushing through things. Through applying this to

life, the author indicates the rolling stone as a constantly bustling average person who doesn’t take the

time to slow down, therefore causing them to plummet into the world without retaining past information

they’ve acquired and enjoy life to the fullest. This concept is further strengthened with the use of the word

“moss” because of its strong contrast to “stone.” Where stone is lifeless, moss is brimming with life and

growth. The moss represents the “good” life has to offer you, which can’t be obtained if you are rushing

through life. Overall, the author wants the reader to understand that speeding through life without pausing

won’t let you grasp the positive aspects offered to you in the world.