Undecided

As my title reas, I'm quite undecided on how I feel about last class. I think, overall, there are so very brilliant things in here, but at the same time there's a lot of "flab" in here that really keep the story from being great.

I'll start with the brilliant, which would absolutely have to be headlined be Roethke's second paragraph concerning the faculty. This paragraph is full of fantastic truths ("verbal about everything except what they know") and strong aliteration ("just plain nutty - at least aren't dull"). I believe what makes this part strong compared to other parts of the story (I do, however, think there are other parts that are just as strong) is there's nothing overdone. I don't feel overwhelmed as a reader, but at the same time I don't feel spoonfed. There's just enough going on where I do have to do some critical thinking in my comprehension, but I can still have a nice flow to my reading pace. I also really like particularly here how Roethke follows up this paragraph with the next where he does include himself and proclaims the we of the faculity, including himself in his harsh analization - which I find hilarious and honest.

The not-so-brilliant revolves around Roethke's pounding of adjectives and quick phrases throughout the story. For me, a lot of parts felt like a twisted piece of poetry rather than work of straight up prose. Probably the first page and a half of the story is very overwhelming. I felt like I had to stop much too often in order to gather what was being said and how it was being said. This caused me to lose interest, and it wasn't until my second reading that I had a sense of understanding with this story (honestly). Also, I felt a lot of this story was "forced" (if that makes sense) - that Roethke tried desperately in some places to create this ovewhelming voice. There's a certain arrogance I perceive from that which I don't like.

Overall, though, it was an interesting read. It definitely gave me a lot to think about.