We read Simpson in Tiananmen Square, Thompson at the Kentucky Derby and O’Brien in Vietnam, reacting to each on the continuum of Objective Truth to Story Truth. We also began looking at scenes – how Thompson, for example, structured his piece around a series of Obstacles and Fantasies (or external and internal conflicts), while O’Brien alternates the narrative between scenes of reading of a letter and exposition of whose these characters are, where they are, and what they’re doing.

Jennifer gave the first presentation. Next week we’ll hear two more, finish responding to the Character assignment, and talk about McCann, Agee, Kapuscinski, Capote and Naipaul. As you read, mark the start and end of what you consider to be a “scene.” (In fact, you can skim some of the longer pieces – such as Kapuscinski — when you think we’re in exposition/set piece mode, pulling the lens away from a scene.)

And I’ll try not to talk about Benjamin Luca/程路客 the entire time. Thanks again for the card and your excellent work in class. Keep going!