“Do you think God stays in heaven because he too lives in fear of what he’s created?” —Dr. Romero, Spy Kids 2 In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor plays the role of God, creating his version of Adam and simultaneously breaking the known laws of science. While Victor was incredibly passionate about this endeavor at first, …
Author Archives: kurtbenchoff
Don’t Be Like Gabriel
The universal goal among us is one of self preservation. The instinctual—seemingly justified—will to live a long life. For some reason, we have been ingrained with the idea that living longer is somehow better. Why we assign time as the ultimate value in the universe is probably a product of our limp, flaccid way of …
Tim O’Brien’s Advice for Coping With Loss
If any singular event can alter the course of a life, it’s the death of someone held dear. Death has the power to hold people captive to their emotions for a lifetime of sadness, guilt, and long spells of depression. Coping with these emotions can be intense and maddening, often spitting a person right back …
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How Elaborate Attention to Detail Breaths Life into Goodbye, Columbus
When writing any work of fiction, the most important thing an author can do is include a powerful narrative. When the narrative is a well-woven tale full of surprising twists and turns, the reader is powerless to put the book down. When problems arise for the protagonist, assuming the protagonist evokes strong emotions from the …
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The Connection Between Religion and Suspension of Disbelief
Religion requires faith. As Owen Meany says, “BELIEF IS NOT AN INTELLECTUAL MATTER…IF HE’S (Rev. Merrill) GOT SO MUCH DOUBT, HE’S IN THE WRONG BUSINESS.” I find this particular quote incredibly compelling when thought about in the context of the newer denominations of Christianity. Often times on religious camps, getaways, or services, intellectual ideas are …
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The Unnecessary Injection of American Politics into A Prayer for Owen Meany
In A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving’s narrative is so well woven that I almost feel apart of it. The story lives and breathes the essence of childhood, and this nostalgic vibe the book permeates allows for my inner child to come out. Whether it’s John Irving’s outlandish but somehow relatable humor, his use …
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Comedy Rooted in Expectation Instead of Absurdity
Comedies can be deep, but often all comedies come back to their roots. While lots of famous shows centered around laughs such as Tom and Jerry, Dumb & Dumber, or even The Office, revolve around making the audience laugh through slapstick humor, idiotic or nonsensical characters, or the results of boneheaded decisions, a newer brand …
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Mr. Wasowski's Personal Favorites (all written by Kurt) 