Chapter one of Ann Patchett’s “Truth and Beauty” was interesting. I liked that her language is very descriptive and blunt. When the character Lucy is brought up and her story of what she’s been through you could pretty much picture her for yourself. From her physical appearance right down to her meek mannerisms. It was interesting that the narrator viewed Lucy as a “celebrity” in school and felt that she wasn’t on the same level as her. In most cases people would take a character with that background and attach it with pity or some sort of torment. However her approach was much different she was Lucy idolized in a sense. When the two reach a place of friendship we find out that the two are actually quite relatable. What was a bit confusing was the timeline of events I feel as though it jumped quite quickly from when we hear she’s going to graduate school, then we meet Lucy, then things speed up. I think a lot was covered about the relationship of the two girls in this chapter and it condensed Lucy’s life and foreshadowed what the further future may bring for the character. Which makes me wonder if there would be more of Lucy in the other chapters.
About
Professor: Jessica Penner
Email: creative.writing.citytech2@gmail.com
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. I’ll be available through Zoom and will send an invitation via email that you should keep all semester. Try to join my meeting at the start of the hour, not at the end—since I may be talking to other students or have another appointment after the hour is up. If those times don’t work with your schedule, we can schedule a different time. This means you’ll have to schedule an appointment in advance. I suggest you have multiple times in mind, since your schedule may not mesh with mine!
I agree with your thoughts about how the main character wanted to be friends with Lucy not out of pity but out of idolization of her strength and beauty. She saw someone she could relate with on a level not many could. She wanted to develop a friendship with this person out of nothing more than a spark for genuine human connection.