Note To Fred
May. 5th, 2009 12:01 pmAttached to the returned draft of Fred Dukes' literature finals assignment.
Monsieur Dukes,
Firstly, let me reiterate my appreciation for the effort you have put into this paper thus far. I expected to receive a far less polished product, particularly given the amount of time you have had to work on it.
The story itself was very enjoyable to read. The references to the other students were amusing and astute while remaining respectful, and your humor well-applied. Speaking candidly, I do not believe you have to worry about your final grade. I would like to meet with you to discuss one or two points, however.
As per your explanation, I can see where you intended to incorporate the theme of obedience to authority and fate into your tale -- or rather, the dangers of such -- but I do wonder if you have not undermined this somewhat with No One's docile acceptance of her fate. Some revision may be in order.
Also, given that No One Else is a thinly-veiled reference to yourself, the fact that he dies unmourned and nearly unnoticed troubles me somewhat. I would like to discuss it when next we meet. I will be holding my usual office hours up through the end of the month, or we can arrange another meeting time if you are not available then.
Jean-Paul Beaubier
Monsieur Dukes,
Firstly, let me reiterate my appreciation for the effort you have put into this paper thus far. I expected to receive a far less polished product, particularly given the amount of time you have had to work on it.
The story itself was very enjoyable to read. The references to the other students were amusing and astute while remaining respectful, and your humor well-applied. Speaking candidly, I do not believe you have to worry about your final grade. I would like to meet with you to discuss one or two points, however.
As per your explanation, I can see where you intended to incorporate the theme of obedience to authority and fate into your tale -- or rather, the dangers of such -- but I do wonder if you have not undermined this somewhat with No One's docile acceptance of her fate. Some revision may be in order.
Also, given that No One Else is a thinly-veiled reference to yourself, the fact that he dies unmourned and nearly unnoticed troubles me somewhat. I would like to discuss it when next we meet. I will be holding my usual office hours up through the end of the month, or we can arrange another meeting time if you are not available then.
Jean-Paul Beaubier