Bullet in the Brain! Emergency!

I'd like to present you with two fabulous short stories. Your assignment is to read one or both and write about them. Both would be great. They're both excellent and short and funny and true, but you need only write on one of them. For the writing assignment you can choose to either:

1. Write a short imitation of the story - i.e. write your own story in the style/spirit of whichever one you've chosen. Be sure to tell me which one you're modeling so I know.
2. Write an analysis of one of the stories. What do you think it means? What does it mean to you? What are the story's strengths? Think about how the story is shaped and what it's trying to say. What details in particular resonated with you? If you didn't like it, specifically why not. Cite examples.

Story 1: Bullet in the Brain by Tobias Wolff.

This story is available in both print format and as an audio file.

audio version

text only

Story 2: Emergency by Denis Johnson

audio

I couldn't find this online in print - you can only listen to the audio file, but it's worth it. Coincidentally, it's discussed and read by Tobias Wolff, author of Bullet in the Brain. If you want to seek out the print version, it's in a collection called Jesus' Son. You may also be familiar with the film version. (Extremely awesome movie, rent it today!)

This post is due monday night at midnight. You should also have commented on our last post re: The American Male, Age 10 by this time.