Abstract

THREE KINDS OF PEOPLE teach English around us; I call them Agnes, Ronald and George. Ronald is in and out, the poet with flowing locks and a fey sense of responsibility. George has a ten to four schedule, that business man of letters with the brief case and nice clothes with the coat matching his pants. Agnes is the real one. She keeps a journal, for in it she finds a friend-often, she thinks, her only one. Ronald maybe keeps a notebook for ideas. George keeps neither because he teaches English, he doesn't practice it. Agnes carries the standard. She has the brains, does the work, worries about the students, considers the State of the Field, believes in the study of English. But currently it all disheartens her deeply, and she is tired. Here is a joke.