I’ve noticed that I listened to a story that a couple others in the class also listened to. Drawn to the story by its more lighthearted and comedic description, I enjoyed the story because of how the narrator told the story and the actual meaning of the story. The description: “David Lepelstat is convinced of his superhero powers until they get him into a deadly situation.” immediately sets the story and narrative with a rather juvenile and joyful allusion to “Superheroes” and in the exposition where he explains his tendency to fixate on one nerdy subject to the next, he builds a personal connection with the listener.

The narrative itself resembles a self-reflective tense, as he’s recalling back to his past actively in front of us. He doesn’t only explain the facts, but he includes the cognitive process and the actual thinking of his younger self, such as how he did not understand the definition of “partner” when his family described Micheal or “Hot-Wheels when I’d moved on to Power Rangers.” Cluing us into his younger self’s thoughts makes the experience a lot more personable.

The way he implemented comedy into his story was an interesting element. Telling a story about drowning would usually be a more tense experience, however, from the exposition to the actual details of the event, you can tell that he has his audience hooked to his every word. Throughout the story, the presence and power of laughter helps the story ebb and flow in David’s form of story telling.

Interesting themes in the story revolve around family, relationships with others, and ties that transcend blood or associations. The connection the speaker has with Micheal is a very strong Uncle-Nephew bond, and one that isn’t easily forgotten despite Micheal and the narrator’s uncle breaking up.