I just heard that there’s a performance of Samuel Beckett’s famous (and darkly hilarious) one-man show “Krapp’s Last Tape” at NYU that runs through this weekend. Dudley mentions the short play, likening Krapp to Jimmy in convincing ways. Like absurdist humor, existentialism, poop jokes, and profound meditations on the nature of time in the era of mechanically produced culture? Then this is the show for you! Featuring the legendary Stephen Rea as Krapp. It’s the krappiest Krapp you’ll ever witness. It’s pricey, but there are $25 student rush tickets, if you’ve got the time to swing by early on the performance day.

PSA time: expect a brief comment on your midterm and on your performance per your contract terms thus far. I’ll email it to you and will be working on it through the weekend.

Also, as I mentioned in class, take a look at the reading schedule and make sure to get ahead of the brutal Th/Fri/Mon cluster we’ve got coming. Amitav Ghosh gave us a gorgeous jewel box of a novel that rewards close reading: let’s give him his propers and read it with the care it deserves!

Enjoy the long weekend, have a good holiday for those who celebrate, and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday (and Friday … and Monday).

As discussed in class today, here’s the plan for Tuesday’s midterm (note schedule change due to Monday holiday):

• Bring a hard copy of the Dudley article I passed out in class today. Here’s a .pdf for those who missed class. You can mark it up, highlight it, post-note it, whatever. But you will be allowed only your hard copy of the Dudley article in the exam. I’ll have bluebooks, and you’ll have a pencil or pen: no laptops, no tablets, no phones.
• Only well-documented absences will be excused. Make every effort to be there Tuesday and leave extra time. The exam is challenging and should take the full 75 minutes to complete.
• Here’s a copy of last year’s exam: obviously we were reading a different novel and different criticism, but it gives some idea of the scope and format of the exam.

Ok: good luck, enjoy the long weekend, and I’ll see you Tuesday. I’ll also remind you to make sure you’ve got a copy of Ghosh’s novel, THE HUNGRY TIDE, ahead of Thursday’s session, and to budget some time to do the reading.

Another event on campus this month that may be of interest to all students. It’s aimed at fostering dialogue in respectful, thoughtful ways, which of course is a pressing issue in these times. Details and flyer below:

Real Talk: Campus Conversations, moderated by Vicki Lens and Gina Riley.  A workshop where college students will come together (with snacks!) to have honest, respectful conversations about real-world issues using the tenets of the Constructive Dialogue Institute. It’s a chance to practice talking across differences, share perspectives, and walk away with tools for better everyday dialogue.  Two sessions – October 3 and 15^, 2025 in room 530, Library.

Here’s the flyer.

Especially if you’re an English major, and even if you’re not but are shopping for an English class next term, swing by on Wednesday afternoon to our semesterly open house, with food and beverages, faculty pitching new courses, and a chance to chat with fellow majors and faculty. Details below:

Are you an English major or English major-curious? Come meet faculty and other students at our Fall Welcome event! Faculty will provide information about Hunter and English department resources and our fabulous new faculty members will introduce themselves. Food and drink provided!

Date/Time: Wed Oct 8th,  4-5:30pm

Location: FDA Faculty Lounge, 8th floor HW