Final Papers: Cervantes

My final paper for this class was not emblematic of anything, except perhaps the fact that I was unable to focus. I am sure my grade will suffer as a result of my non-existent argument in this final paper. This non-connectedness, however, was not entirely my fault.

While writing this paper, (I was right in the middle of the "establishing my argument" introduction portion) I was informed that my father (who lives in Tennessee) was admitted to the hospital for suffering from a heart attack. As overcome with worry as I was, I still proceed to write my paper, as I got to the middle (quoting other educated professionals on the topic to prove my point) I was informed that he had suffered another mild heart attack while in the hospital. As I moved on to quote another critic and relate all this to the overall theme of my paper, I was informed that my father had a blood clot that moved and filled his lungs with fluid. And, finally, as I was sitting on pins and needles awaiting the call to tell me if the operation of implanting the first stint in his artery was successful-- I concluded my paper on Don Quixote. Needless to say, my final paper may not have been as impressive as I was hoping.

However, the thing to remember about this class is this: Don Quixote is a great read. Yes, it is long. But, it is funny. very funny. try it. you'll like it.

Final Papers: Intro to Graduate Study

I finished my final paper, with a short extension granted by the professor due to my family emergency. It was on the topic of Calvino's If on a winter's night a traveler which I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys reading. I discussed in my final paper how Calvino uses the second person pronoun "you" to draw the reader into the story, essentially making him or her a character.

This was my first taste of Calvino and I have been very impressed. Next quarter, I am enrolled in the Calvino class-- and looking forward to it!