Response to Narration and "The Clinic"

          A narrative is the recollection of a previously occurred account or event. Narratives come in various shapes and sizes, however well written narratives are often composed using a similar formula. For instance, a well-written narrative can be told in chronological order to avoid confusing the reader as to what occurred when. Additionally, the employment of transitional words and phrases are also encouraged because they can help create a “smooth link” from one event to another. Furthermore, good narratives include the use of strong and carefully selected details, so that the reader may remain engaged. Another important aspect about a good narrative is to maintain a consistent point of view. The inclusion of dialogue can also spice up a narrative by allowing the narrator to present the point of view of other people in the narrative, thus allowing the reader to, “Draw his or her own conclusions” so that the narrator to remain a credible and unbiased source. The use of appropriate tenses is also a key factor in the development of narrative because they help “connect events in time.”

            Jeff Gremmels narrative, “The Clinic” is a captivating tale about a young medical student who learned that diseases are not the only things that can harm human beings.  Gremmels narrative “The Clinic” is classified as a medical detective story because the plot revolves around Gremmels trying to figure out what is making a young boy sick. As a reader, I found the story completely heart-wrenching and felt myself become misty-eyed at the level of abuse the young boy had suffered at the hands of his stepfather. One moment in particular I found heartbreaking was when Gremmels wrote, “The wheel of a lighter, a disposable lighter, leave those two umlaut marks – nothing else looks like it.” The fact that anyone let alone a child could be subjected to such abuse and be driven to self-mutilation made me feel sick at the pit of my stomach.  While the story is about trying to find what is making the boy “sick”, the narrative is centered on Gremmels because it is told from point of view this is evidenced by his use of pronouns.

            As a writer I enjoyed Gremmels narrative because I felt, as if I was a part of the story, this was due in large part to his vivid use of imagery and details. Another facet of the story I enjoyed was the use of transitions to build suspense. However, I would have enjoyed the story more had there been a flashforward, depicting how the patient changed Gremmels as a doctor. The motive behind Gremmels writing this narrative was to vent and reflect about his experience with this patient because at the end he states, “ Years of lectures, labs, and research could not match the education I received in five days with this single boy.