Monday, November 19, 2012

"Looking for Jason" Workshop


The story is about a father named Virge who is looking for his missing son, Jason. Virge thinks that Jason is hiding in a batture behind a levee, where many young people have gone to withdraw from the rest of society. For a time, a girl named Cassie leads him to believe that Jason is there, but the young man she brings to Virge turns out to be the wrong Jason. Virge returns to his car depressed, but at the end, convinces himself that Cassie and the others have tricked him.
            I really liked your description of Virge’s worry for his son. His anxiety really comes through, especially in the beginning and end, making his a sympathetic character. However, I felt that the story loses a bit of its momentum when Virge sits and talks with Cassie. I think he would be more agitated and less likely to smile at her. I like the comments he makes about the young people’s way of living, though I think they should come off more scornful. If he truly thinks his son has joined this commune, then he would be very resentful towards them.
            Also, I was unsure what to make of the ending. Does Virge suddenly remember seeing something that explicitly reminds him of Jason and therefore realizes that he truly has been duped? Or does he just convince himself that Jason is in the commune because it’s easier than accepting that he may be dead? Right now, I think either interpretation could be considered, so the story should more clearly point towards one or the other.
            Overall, this is a good, clean draft. Good job!

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