If you were one of Poe’s trusted friends, what feedback would you give him about the two stories you just read? Is there anything you would change about his vocabulary, the graphic language he used in his horrific descriptions, or his choice of topics? Please explain what you would have him change and why. It is fine if you decide he should NOT change anything, but you still need to give specific comments of praise to the elements you most enjoyed and explain why.

Read the excerpt from infinite jest 'my application's not bought," i am telling them, calling into the darkness of the red cave that opens out before closed eyes. 'tam not just a boy who plays tennis. i have an intricate history. experiences and feelings. i'm complex. "read,' i say. 'i study and read. i bet i've read everything you've read. don't think i haven't. i consume libraries. i wear out spines and rom-drives. i do things like get in a taxi and say, "the library, and step on it." my instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, i can tell, with due respect. the theme suggested by the excerpt is about a. being understood b. the value of education c. wisdom versus foolishness d. learning responsibility