Kelsey Pape's Blog Post

The loveable K*A*P*L*A*N

Hyman Kaplan is an undeniably loveable and naïve character. I can only sympathize with him despite how frustrating his difficulty in learning English would be to deal with as a teacher.  Mr. Parkhill seems to handle Hyman’s struggle very well. I could not help but think of how annoyed most Americans get with people who struggle with English and in comparison Mr. Parkhill keeps his cool relatively well. It is clear that Hyman Kaplan feels that he has been treated well by Mr. Parkhill (despite his modest expressions of annoyance) as he states in the end of his final exam “ps. I don’t care if I pass. I love the class”. I think part of the reason that he wanted to please Mr. Parkhill so badly is because he shows little to no notice of Mr. Parkill’s frustration with him, usually responding to his frustrated remarks or questions with a smile on his face. This book tackles one of the major issues for immigrants that are new to the United States. From personal experience I can attest to how difficult it is to master a new language as I have been struggling with keeping straight French conjugations for years. I really enjoyed reading this book for the second time as it is such a fun and heartwarming way to express the struggles of coming to America.

Do you think that Hyman was aware of how much he frustrated Mr. Parkhill? Do you think that perhaps he is aware, but is understanding and does not let it upset him?