Critical Response 7

Colleen Mundy
Dr. Tony Barnstone
ENGL 302
April 7, 2009
Critical Response #7

Critical Response to Kelly Hanken
“Tell Me What It Means”
I like this story. It is short, though, which leaves me feeling somewhat empty when the main character’s surprises are listed. I am left without knowing the history of why he didn't expect to live through high school and I want to know why he drinks so much and takes so many pills. Or was that all in the past? I think if this was a little bit longer, and the author had a little bit more time, maybe, that this could develop more.
I really like how the author gives the key personality with some of the adjectives used. For example, the key sits on the counter, unassuming, it needed no explanation. I would like to know, however, what happened with the owner. I assume it was a lover who left the main character, but I feel like I just need to see a little bit more. I like the described “distant looks and irritatingly expectant finger taps on the tabletop,” though. It seems to give a sense of the kind of atmosphere in the house.
I also was drawn to the fact that he kept glancing at it, almost as if he couldn’t believe it was there. He went about his life, making dinner, calling people, and finally looking at it with careful consideration. I could imagine his confusion at the object when he was looking at it from all of the different angles. I think that this part of the story could be expanded and developed a little bit more and describe the key, relate it to things in the relationship.