Manav Chouhan

Ms. Passafiume

ENG4UX-18

14 July 2023

1. This narrative essay effectively presents two distinct reasons that justify the relevance of

the title. Firstly, the connection between the title and the content is quite literal and

evident, as it revolves around two women embarking on a mountain climb on April Fools'

Day, specifically the Polar Circus. On the other hand, a less apparent yet significant

reason emerges: the foolishness of engaging in ice climbing during April. In this month,

the temperatures in the Athabasca Icefields, located in southern Canada, begin to rise,

causing the ice to melt and become "dripping wet and soggy," as described by the

climbers. Consequently, this situation aptly characterizes the climbers as fools on the

Polar Circus, making the title "April Fools on the Polar Circus'' fitting on multiple levels.

2. In the perspective presented, "the tango in fear" contributes to one's wisdom. Fear is

recognized as a significant hindrance that prevents individuals from progressing. Those

who succumb to the fear of failure restrain themselves from exploring new possibilities

and accomplishing remarkable feats beyond their imagination. Overcoming fears,

however, bestows wisdom upon individuals, enabling them to embrace a broader range of

experiences without the adverse impacts of fear. The subsequent narrative essay

exemplifies how fear can be channeled positively once its obstacles are surmounted.

Roddan expresses how fear manifests within, but instead of aiming for fearlessness, she

strategically employs her fear to her advantage during the climbing endeavor. By utilizing

the adrenaline generated from her "tango with fear," Roddan sustains her perseverance
 even in the face of arduous climbs. Consequently, the author's wisdom stems from the

profound tango she has experienced. Additionally, the author elaborates on the fear

induced by the prospect of climbing ice, noting that accepting fear is just one among the

numerous challenges inherent in ice climbing. The process of conquering fear is far from

straightforward, often accompanied by considerable discomfort, mirroring the struggles

encountered by the climbers throughout their ascent. The derived wisdom arises from the

benefits and new opportunities that have been and will continue to be generated.

Overcoming fear signifies the reclamation of mental and physical control over one's

body.

3. The narrative unfolds with the introduction in the 7th paragraph, where the description of

"the last two pitches" of ice resembling "an enormous wedding gown" sets the stage. The

emphasis on mutual motivation becomes more apparent as the author refers to herself and

her climbing partner as 'today's brides'. Their objective is to fulfill their commitment,

akin to a marriage, and reach the ultimate destination of the mountain top. The theme of

commitment is reinforced with the phrase "our vows are strong," signifying their

unwavering determination to honor their promises despite the challenges encountered in

both marriage and ice climbing. The moment of reaching the summit is likened to the

unveiling of a bride's final veil, symbolizing the attainment of the ultimate reward—a

joyous union of fear, effort, intellect, and happiness. As the passage continues, it suggests

that the "ceremony is almost complete," referring to their descent from the mountain.

Furthermore, upon reaching the base, they have confronted and triumphed over their

fears, illustrating how they have embraced a marriage of fear and laughter on Polar

Circus, thereby achieving success.

 In the opening, the author depicts the experience of ice climbing as a captivating dance,

referring to it as a "tango with fear." The author vividly portrays the fear and adrenaline

by describing it as fear that "envelops her heart" as it dances throughout her body. Similar

to dance, ice climbing is likened to a language, necessitating precise articulation of

movements and body positions. Once the author surpasses her fears, the dance

commences, and she experiences a sense of fulfillment in her climbing. The dance, or

tango, represents the entire process of climbing and the agility and grace required for

each movement.

4. The passage discusses an essay that combines narrative and essay elements, resulting in a

narrative essay. The central focus of the narrative centers around the journey of two

climbers as they ascend the Polar Circus on April first, establishing the main plot of the

story. Notably, character growth is depicted through a shift in their perception of fear and

the act of mountain climbing. Additionally, the presence of a character versus self

conflict is implied, with the protagonist serving as the narrator and their fear acting as the

antagonist. The story also exhibits a clear thesis and follows a structured plot akin to an

essay. It encompasses an introduction and a conclusion, with each paragraph concluding

by relating back to the overarching theme. Moreover, the narrator incorporates personal

experiences to reinforce the overall argument. Thus, this passage effectively merges the

components of both a narrative and an essay.