Essays are typically used for facts. That is an idea that is known well by many. Of course, the essays for this week were not exactly those kinds of essays. They did provide facts, but they would also tell stories and give a deeper sense of what they author was talking about. In the packet for this week, an essay called "Close to the Knives" by David Wojnarowicz talked about a friend of his who was dying of AIDS. Considering that I was reading that day before AIDS Day, it had a bit more of an impact than I think it would other days. Still, it had its moments that are touching and helpful with understanding, no matter when it is being read.
One thing that was both informational and touching was when the narrator said how many different things Peter and other people at that doctor's office (who also had AIDS) had tried to get better or even to just live a little longer with less suffering. By showing what people were willing to go through to just make it (driving long distances, going through a lot of other problems, risking their health even more), the reader is able to understand how much life really means, not only to them, but to everyone. It also shows the desperation some might feel to live and feel well.
Another thing that was both informational and touching was the fact that the author's friend, Peter, was suffering so much throughout the essay. In the beginning, he was unable to get up to go to the bathroom. Halfway through, he was not able to try to take a swing at his friends who were trying to help him, because he was too weak. And, in the end, he did not have the energy to do anything. And then he died. From this, the reader is able to understand the pain that this causes people. Not only was it physically tolling for Peter to go through, but emotionally, it was painful for him, because he was unable to do so many simple things. His friends also felt the emotional strikes of it because they were unable to do anything, and it hurt them to see their friend going through this. By showing the pain of the man with AIDS and the friends who are trying to be supportive and helpful, Wojnarowicz was able to help the reader understand and know about the effects on everyone.
This was an essay, because it was informational, but, at the same time, it was entertaining. Not in the typical laughing kind of entertaining, but in the way that it kept my attention. From reading this essay, I came to understand that life is important and that friends really can feel the pain another friend is going through, not just with AIDS, but really with anything.
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