Regarding Shirley J. Keller’s letter (“English Prof Offends”), I have to say that it was the most daring piece of creative writing I’ve read in the past year. It was like Josef Goebbels-Meets-Stephen King.

I’ve been a graduate student in the creative writing program for the past year or so, and I met Fern through my fiance, also a grad student.

In Fern’s defense, she has been nothing but kind and enthusiastic about her students’ undertakings, as well as sensitive. Yes, anyone who knows Fern can testify to the fact that she is an outspoken woman — a refreshing quality because her outspokenness is grounded in knowledge and empathy.

Ms. Keller obviously has an axe to grind, and it sounds as if her discontent is with the World-at-Large as opposed to Ms. Kupfer. What bothers me most about Ms. Keller’s letter is that her misery over subject matter borders on being fascist. The world and its art can sometimes be ugly, or rather, the art mirrors the ugliness therein.

If you want “happy” literature, then I suggest you stick with Curious George — although I warn you, Ms. Keller: the Man With the Yellow Hat can be a real s.o.b. sometimes.

Sincerely,

John Lane

Graduate Student

English