Final answer:
Roosevelt's text implies that writing a short story requires a soothing and meticulous approach, akin to calming a wild animal. The metaphor suggests the need for careful storytelling that considers the audience's reception and emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roosevelt text suggests that a person should compose a short story somewhat like calming down a wild animal. This comparison likely highlights the need for care, patience, and attentive crafting when composing a narrative, similar to the gentle approach one would take to soothe an agitated creature.
The purpose of using such a metaphor is to convey the delicate and meticulous process of storytelling. Roosevelt's fireside chats themselves were exemplary of this approach, characterized by a calming and paternal tone. These chats were crafted to break down complex issues in a reassuring manner, making them accessible and understandable for the general public. In crafting a short story, just like with these speeches, the author needs to consider the audience's emotions and understanding, proceeding in a way that is both engaging and soothing. This process involves careful choice of diction, an understanding of the narrative's atmosphere, and a gentle progression of the plot to maintain the reader's interest without overwhelming them.
Therefore, the act of writing can be seen as a form of communication that requires the same level of consideration and finesse as calmly addressing a living being, be it through spoken word or written text.