Bharati Mukherjee's "The Management of Grief" Response

Response as Judith Templeton, Social Service Worker

“What have I done? One second ago, Shaila is willingly assisting me on my journey to visit the victims’ families who have not accepted; and now she is on the subway, probably halfway home by now. This whole situation is an absolute disaster. I completely understand her actions, although I wish she was still here to help me translate. I hope it wasn’t me who caused her to leave, although I think the entire situation is getting to Shaila. I want to call her, but then again, that might be inappropriate. I guess I’ll just wait until the situation has settled. I understand her grief, as she has been calmer throughout the situation than anybody I know. Hmmmm what to do now? I assume the lady who we were going to visit will not be pleased if I show up alone yet again. It is important I convince her to obtain the medical help we are providing… I can’t even think straight right now. I wish for the best for all of the people suffering, but it has been quite some time since the incident; these people will not even go to Ireland to recover their loved ones bodies! I have to be understanding, though. I cannot imagine being in their position. No more stalling, back to work for me. Shaila will be deeply missed, but her management of grief is not of my concern.”

-Brendan Meagher

Alice Munro's "An Ounce of Cure" Response

“An Ounce of Cure”, written by Alice Munro, is a very interesting piece of writing, as it portrays a distinct message. The title refers to the quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, but has been modified to capture the events of the story. That quote means that it is better to stop a problem from occurring before it happens, instead of attempting to fix it once it is already a problem, in order to save yourself from the hassle and suffering. Because it was modified for the title of the story, the immediate impression by the reader is that “an ounce” is referring to the liquor the girl in the story consumed; as she believes it will be her “cure” to get over her ex-boyfriend, Martin Collingwood. The theme of this story is, basically, “kids will be kids” and there is always a certain level of exaggeration with adolescent teenagers, despite what they may like to admit. The theme is explored by the actions of the girl throughout the story, beginning with her romance, to her attempted suicide, and the eventual trouble which she gets herself in. “An Ounce of Cure” is an intelligently written short story, and portrays an important and significant message.

-Brendan Meagher