As Good As It Gets: An Unforgettable Comedy

The ironic comedy As Good As It Gets really represents what a comedy should be; although it is not your stereotypical laugh out loud funny, it makes you smile. This show is a great example of how putting totally unrelated people together can create a great story. A sarcastic obsessive-compulsive writer making everyone’s life miserable, a single mother with a very sick child, and a homosexual artist and his dog are all thrown together to make a dysfunctional group that depend on each other.
This story is of a writer, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson who is cynical of everyone. Being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Melvin has some strange habits. Also his bitter nature toward everything and everyone makes him a great character to create humor. Simon, played by Greg Kinnear, is an artist and Melvin’s neighbor who owns a small dog. The dog, Verdell, is the object of much of Melvin’s hate. When circumstances arise that place Verdell in Melvin’s care, we see a softer side to Melvin. While all this is happening we see Melvin’s strange ritual of eating at a restaurant every morning, being waited on by Carol Connely (Helen Hunt). Carol, who is a single mother who is trying to make ends meet, is the only one who will put up with Melvin’s nonsense. Even though she is struggling with the health of her sick son, she stays optimistic despite Melvin. When all three crazy characters are thrown together only a great story can take place. The only downside to having such complex characters is that there may be too much going on for this short of a show. Although the intricacy adds depth to the characters.
The best feature of this movie is the actors. With the cast including Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear; how could you go wrong? These three strengthen the story of the movie, by playing their parts so powerfully. Even the minor actors really bring the show to life, such as Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simon’s very outspoken art dealer. Yeardley Smith, who plays Jackie, Simon’s assistant does a great job of not going too far with her character. All of the characters are executed to perfection, with the exception of the smallest of actors who may have ruined their character. One example was a receptionist (Julie Benz) who overacted her part as an almost insane fan of Melvin. Also Carol Connelly’s mother Beverley, played by Shirley Knight, was a little overpowering. For the most part the actors were perfect for their parts.
All in all this movie is a must see for anyone who enjoys a raw comedy with a twist of romance. The epitome of a good comedy, this show is what a story should really be. The growth of the characters throughout the movie is very astonishing and very nice to watch. The story line and actors make this movie unforgettable and surely a favorite for many.

"Making it in poetry" by Bob Hicok

"Making it in poetry"
by Bob Hicok

The young teller
at the credit union
asked why so many
small checks
from universities?
Because I write
poems I said. Why
haven't I heard
of you? Because
I write poems
I said.

1. Is the title of this poem ironic or not? Explain your answer.

The title of this poem is very ironic because the poem tells of how the author does not make very much money, and also is not very well known. Most people's definition of "making it" is to be successful,and make money. This poem is very funny because the narrator is almost annoyed with the teller's unnecessary questions.

2. Both of the teller's questions are answered the same way. Is there irony in that fact?

Yes, the irony of the same answer for both questions is the fact that the second question "why haven't I heard of you?" was brought up by the answer to the first question. Which is also the answer to the second. The writer tells us that the reason for not being well-known or making very much money is his type of job.

3. Do you find any significance in the description of the teller as "young"?

I think there is significance in the teller being young because the teller really has no business in asking about the narrator's business. Usually younger people tend to ask unnecessary questions. If the narrator had been older the situation might not have happened. Also making the teller young the writer gives us detail and description to the man which makes the story more realistic and interesting.

"For My Daughter" by Weldon Kees

"For My Daughter"
by Weldon Kees

Looking in to my daughter's eyes I read
Beneath the innocence of morning flesh
Concealed, hintings of death she does not heed.
Coldest of winds have blown this hair, and mesh
Of seaweed snarled these miniatures of hands;
The night's slow poison, tolerant and bland,
Has moved her blood. Parched years that I have seen
That may be hers appear: foul, lingering
Death in certain war, the slim legs green.
Or, fed on hate, she relishes the sting
Of other's agony; perhaps the cruel
Bride of syphilitic or a fool.
These speculations sour in the sun.
I have no daughter. I desire none.

1. How does the last line of this sonnet affect the meaning of the poem?

The last line of this poem really shows the bitterness and resentment the narrator feels toward having a daughter. This poem tells of how Kees imagines it being to have a sick or dying child. Until the last line we do not know that Kees is talking about a hypothetical daughter and not a real one. This really changes the effect of the whole poem because we are led to believe this is really happening then told it was just a thought. It makes us think twice about what it would be like to have an unhealthy child.

2. "For My Daughter" was first published in 1940. What considerations might a potential American parent have felt at that time? Are these historical concerns mirrored in the poem?

At this time in America having children was very unsafe for the mother's health and the child's. The hospitals and medicines were not what they are like today.Today's resources being very advanced and having access to different qualified doctors. If your child was born unhealthy chances were they would not survive because of the lack of knowledge that we have today. In this poem Kees imagines what the dread would feel like to have an unhealthy child. This was a very real concern when couples were deciding to have children in this time period.

3. Donald Justice has said that "Kees is one of the bitterest poets in history." Is bitterness the only attitude the speaker reveals in the poem?

This poem has many emotions and we do not see the bitterness until the end.The speaker of the poem really seems to want a child, but cannot seem to justify having a child if the chances of being unhealthy is high. We see sadness and a longing for a child from Kees.

"The Lady I Know" by Countee Cullen

"For a Lady I Know"
by Countee Cullen

She even thinks that up in heaven
Her class lies late and snores,
While poor black cherubs rise at seven
To do celestial chores.

1. What is Cullen's message?

Cullen's message in "For a Lady I Know" is to tell of a woman who thinks that even after death there will be the same class system she is used to in heaven. She will be able to "lie late and snore" while the poor black slaves have to get up early and work. This poem is very short, but has a powerful message of the way upper-class white people thought at the time of slavery in the U.S.

2. How would you characterize the tone of the poem? Wrathful? Amused?

I think the tone of this poem is almost disgusted. I think Cullen feels as if this woman has no right to think that she is better than others. Most people believe in heaven everyone is equal. So looking at this woman's way of thinking was a very common stereotype for the time this piece was written in American history.

"The Parable of the Prodigal Son" by Luke

This is a picture of my sister’s messy room. She has no respect for any of her belongings and my parents keep giving her more and more. I, on the other hand, hoard and take care of what little possessions I have. No matter what my sister does my parents can’t seem to punish her, when I was her age they were a lot stricter. This scenario is like that of “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” in this short story a father of two sons divides up his earnings equally between his two sons. One son stays and home and works hard for his father, while the other goes and spends all his money frivolously. When a famine occurs in the country the second son comes home to his father so that he may have food to live. When the father sees his long lost son it is a large celebration. He is so happy to have his son back. The hard working son does not understand why his brother is so worthy of this attention. The father just says everyone should be glad the lost son is found.




The cow in this story symbolizes a great reward for the son coming home. They had a huge feast for the son who did nothing but spend all his money and come back home. Back when this story took place the cow was an important animal, used only on very special rare occasions.



The stop light illustrates how there is no black and white in life, or love for that matter. When the son comes back home his behaviors don’t matter to the father, he will be loved no matter what. There is no certain way humans have to act, we can all make our choices in life.



This is myself and my sister who represent the characters of the story, as I said above we are a good example of the theme of the story. This story is very universal it could happen at any point in time.

"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway

The empty swimming pool pictured above represents the theme of nothingness in the story. In the fall, winter, and spring time this pool is good for nothing. That is the way the old man feels he has no purpose in life, there is only nothingness and emptiness. The Nihilistic theme comes about a couple different times in the story, which is the belief that there is no God to believe in.




The Café portrays the setting of the story which takes place in a café. There are different types of cafes, there is a big difference between the “well-lighted ones” and the dark bodegas or bars. The setting is very critical to the story, not only is it the cause for the title, but it sets the tone for the storyline. The old man just wants to have a drink, he is old and probably has a hard time seeing. The atmosphere of the little café is also good because there are “shadows of the leaves” which is another large symbol.



Light and darkness are very large symbols in “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.” The Lightness of the café is a safe place for the darkness of reality. In the café the old man can drink in peace. He is already very alone in the world, so coming to a nice clean place with a good atmosphere is important to him. In general light usually portrays happiness and joy, while dark is loneliness and fear, so that is good to keep in mind when thinking about how they play into the story.




The picture of this sheep, alone and isolated, represents the character of the old man. He is deaf which really disconnects him from the world. This man is extremely lonely and wants to die, but is forced to live by his niece. The old man has nothing to live for so he is basically drinking his problems away night after night.

"The Storm" by Kate Chopin

The storm itself is a very large symbol in this short story. The storm represents a mistake that two lovers make in the heat of the moment. Along with being a symbol of the story, storms in general usually bring forth a negative feeling, or tone. A feeling of something bad about to happen, or uneasiness.




The setting of the story plays a large role in the tone. This story, a story of two passionate people being drawn to unfaithfulness could have happened at any time in history. Since this story happens in the south late in the 19th century we get a certain overall mood. Keeping this secret is something that happens often now days. Many happily married couples keep secrets from each other. This picture of a modern day farmhouse is somewhere I think a hidden affair could take place at this point in time. I included a picture of an old barn as an extra for the farm.



The picture of my family represents the characters of the story. Even though we may seem very happy on the outside there are things that people may not know about us. One example would be if someone was contemplating suicide, no one would really know that unless they knew who is was personally. In the story Calixta, the mother and wife, keeps a secret that know from the outside would know about.



This community board illustrates the theme of family. In this short story keeping the family whole and happy is very important. Even though an affair occurs between two people, Calixta and Alcee Laballiere, who both have families they keep the forbidden love a secret to keep the family whole. After the act happens Calixta is especially happy to see her family. Alcee writes a letter to his wife letting her know how much he cares.

"Greasy Lake" by T. Coraghessan Boyle

The above picture is a place where the “bad kids” in our school used to go. There was often underage alcohol consumption and drug use. This was basically just an empty spot down by the creek which was a cool place to meet up with friends and hang out. This area reminds me of “Greasy Lake” because it was a cool hang out spot where everyone was away from town. The setting of the story is very important in setting the mood “fetid and murky, the mud banks glittering with broken glass and strewn with beer cans and the charred remains of bonfires.” In a place like this, how can anything good happen?



One of the main symbols in “Greasy Lake” is the car that the boys drive, their parent’s “whining station wagons.” Now a station wagon is usually not seen as a “bad boy” car, which leads us to believe the main characters are not as bad as they would like to think. On the other hand the ’57 Chevy and motorcycle gives the impression of a true bad image. These rigs belong to people you would not want to mess with. When the boys came up to these rigs not realizing who they belonged to the reader immediately knew there will be trouble.



I chose this tree to symbolize the change in the characters. During the year a tree undergoes many changes in spring sprouting new green leaves, and in fall changing colors and shedding these leaves to become nothing more than large barren branches. During the story we see the characters change dramatically also. In the beginning the narrator describes himself and his two friends as dangerous and bad. As the story goes on we see they are just kids growing up who get caught in a bad situation. These characters change as people also because they are put through an experience which forces them to mature and grow up.



This final picture shows the pollution this paper plant is putting into the atmosphere. This connects to the story because the theme of pollution. In the story the characters choose to be polluted with drugs and alcohol, they think this makes them “cool.” In all reality this caused them to not think straight which arose to problems out at Greasy Lake. If they weren’t doing these things this situation might not have happened.

"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield

“Miss Brill” by Katherine Mansfield



The short story “Miss Brill” tells of an older widowed woman who takes strolls to the park on Sundays. On her weekly outings to the park Miss Brill enjoys sitting in her “special seat” while listening to others and observing what they are doing. To her this is entertainment, she compares herself and everyone else in the park to a play where everyone has their own part. She takes great pride in getting dressed up to go for her afternoon out. The picture shows my local park where I have seen many people just enjoying an afternoon, or visiting with others on these benches. The setting of the story mainly takes place on a bench I imagine like these.




In getting ready to go to the park Miss Brill takes great pride in putting on her fur necklet. This foxlike accessory is very important to Miss Brill, she even gives it human characteristics. The picture of the puppy is here because in the beginning when she puts on her fur she seems to be playing with it like a pet, but in the end it becomes more like a person to her. She is so proud of her piece that when a young woman makes fun of it she is deeply hurt and seems to imagine it crying. The necklace pictured above is my mom’s she thinks it is pretty neat. I, on the other hand, think it is really outdated and old looking which reminds me of the scenario in the story.



One of the themes of the story is how different generations see situations. As I mentioned before the younger woman makes fun of Miss Brill’s fur. To Miss Brill the fur meant the world and made her feel special. Another thing the younger woman doesn’t understand is why Miss Brill likes to sit in the park. How different age groups and people in general see things are very different. The picture of myself, my mother, and my grandmother represent that. My grandmother and mother may not understand or approve of what I wear or how I act. It was just the different ways we were all raised. My grandmother was raised in a very strict household while she raised my mother a little more leniently and I was raised even more loosely.



This next picture is of me with my boyfriend Josh I chose this picture to represent the characters of the young man and woman Miss Brill encounters while she is sitting on the bench. When Miss Brill first sees them, she casts them as the hero and heroine of the play. As she starts to listen to their conversation though and hears the hurtful things they say about her she is deeply insulted, and her mood goes quickly downhill. If you were to just look at the picture above you would think we were a happy couple, but you never know how characters can change.

Scare in the Dark

Carrie Utke
Professor Hepworth
Literature 150-61
19 October 2009
Scare in the Dark
I wake suddenly in the cool night air, street lights stare down casting eerie shadows through my window upon the wall. The large and lonely house is quiet, but crunchy leaves rustle outside. The dark corners of my room leave my mind wondering: is something there? I bring my heavy comforter over my head to protect me until the sun rises.

Fright in the Night

Carrie Utke
Professor Hepworth
Literature 150-61
15 September 2009
Fright in the Night
A small girl wakes suddenly in the middle of the night, street lights cast eerie shadows through the widow upon the wall, and leaves rustle outside. The house is quiet, or is something there? She brings her heavy comforter over her head to protect her until morning.