Essay Questions

Why does the headmaster destroy Sonnets Against the Storm? Use psychoanalysis

Wolff explains, “The headmaster had studied with Robert Frost at Amherst and once published a collection of poetry, Sonnets Against the Storm, which it now pained him to be reminded of. Though listed in the library card catalogue, the book had vanished and the headmaster was rumoured to have destroyed it. Perhaps with reason; but how many other heads of school had published even one poem, good or bad, let alone a whole volume.” Perchance, the headmaster is avoiding a reminder of his failed career in Poetry. Ordinary, he would reckon that by now, he would be an accomplished poet like Frost instead of a mere headmaster. Destroying the book is intended to eliminate all his writing memories with Frost and the dreams he had regarding being a legendary poet.

What is the implication of citing “Faulkner’s “Barn Burning”?

Wolff writes, “Say you’ve just read Faulkner’s “Barn Burning.” Like the son in the story , you’ve sensed the faults in your father’s character. Thinking about them makes you uncomfortable; left alone you’d probably close the book and move on to other thoughts. But instead you are taken in hand by a tall, brooding man with a distinguished limp who involves you and a roomful of other boys in the consideration of what means to be a son.” The citation enables Wolff to exploit Postmodernism in his text. First, citing the work is intertextuality which pays homage to Faulkner’s work; Faulkner influences Wolff’s writing. Besides, analysis of the work encourages reader involvement which encourages a reader to put himself/ herself in the shoes of the son described in “Barn Burning.”

How does Wolff explore the issue of subjectivity in the assessment of literary works?

Wolff explains, "The writers didn't know us, so no one could accuse them of playing favorites, but that didn’t stop us from disputing their choices. How could Robert Penn Warren prefer Kit Morton’s plain dying-grandmother story to Lance Leavitt’s stream-of-consciousness monologue…It didn’t seem right that Lance, who defied the decorums of language and bourgeois morality, should have to look on while Robert Penn Warren walked the garden with a sentimentalist like Kit ( whose story through its vulgar nakedness of feeling, had moved me to secret tears)." The judgment of literary compositions is subjective. Warren's choice does not meet Wolff's expectations. Kit Morton's writing appeals to Warren, yet it does not appeal to Wolff. The judgment of literary works is purely subjective; hence, judges hold different opinions about works submitted. Ensuring that the judges are not acquainted with the contestants minimizes the likelihood of bias.