Extra Credit Freestyle Blog 1: Humor

An Excerpt from a College Literature Text

-----Chapter 2, pg. 30 directions: Read selections thoroughly, answering questions as directed by your instructor.

The Yearning, by Xavier McFlintlock

“Wow,” said Jim’s friend.

“I know,” said Jim.

“You should get that looked at.”

“Yeah.”

On his way to the doctor’s office, Jim was hit by a banana truck harboring immigrant proboscis monkeys.

Questions:

1) Was Jim killed (through the case of proxy), by his friend, the truck, the illness, or his own imperialist hubris?

2) It is obvious that Jim’s friend secretly wishes he were a woman, although this subtext is cleverly omitted by the author. What experiences could have led him to hold such a desire? Discuss.

3) If Jim’s friend could say something after Jim is hit by the truck, what would it be? (Hint: I feel like chicken tonight, chicken tonight.)

4) In the story, the monkeys are “immigrants.” (McFlintlock, pg. 30) How do they represent the plight of immigrants throughout the world?

5) The banana truck apparently runs on diesel fuel; discuss what impact this might have on world oil reserves.

6) Compare and contrast the instance of the banana truck hitting Jim with the classic banana peel pratfall of situation comedy.

7) In an alternate ending, Jim dies of salmonella poisoning just before the truck hits him. What effect(s) could this pertinent timing have on the plot, and why do you think the author omitted it?