Student Critique # 1 Alex Johnson

Danielle Orner
Critical Response # 1
3/13/07
Critical Response to Alexander Johnson’s Perspectives
Johnson’s story about a man transforming into a woman is interesting because of the psychological and social levels layered on to the different stages of transformation. This story could have been cliché but Johnson keeps it fresh by giving it a dark realistic sexual element and the twist of the character becoming a lesbian in the end. The first line “I can’t believe that guy just grabbed my ass!” really grabs the readers attention. From then on, the language and the male reactions to the situation are raw and unafraid of being graphic. For example, Gary pisses himself before discovering his penis is missing and then frankly mourns the loss of his beloved penis. Gary also contemplates suicide. The elements of pornography being trade between the men and of Gary’s attraction to his own body keep the story from turning into a mainstream pop fable about a man who learns how hard it is to be a woman.
The fact that the transformation takes place over a period of days gives the story more tension. The reader gets to experience Gary’s growing panic with each new development. Somehow it seems more realistic and believable to have the change take place a bit at a time, like all changes in the body occur, rather than all at once. The changes were handled well with plenty of detail and interesting reactions from the main character. Moments like when Gary keeps checking to see if he still has a vagina and the way he describes the lips move the story along and keep it interesting.
Although the beginning is very detailed, the end seems rushed. Instead of being able to experience Gary’s psychological changes and social adjustment with him after his biological transformations, the reader is simply told about them. There needs to be more details like the one where he has to learn to snap a bra. What does Gary change his name to? What do men say to him in a bar? What subtle social changes does he have to make like crossing his legs when he sits or not spitting in public? Also, while I like the twist in the end and the return to sexuality, I want to know more about Hillary and Gary’s developing relationship. What kind of person is she? What does she see in Gary? Why do they get together? Also, I don’t understand why Gary becomes a feminist. Just being a woman doesn’t mean that you are automatically a feminist. I want to know more about what kind of woman Gary becomes. Right now he just seems to become a woman as if there is only one kind. Does he pick up different hobbies or habits because of his sex change? In other words, the physical transformation is dynamic and detailed but the repercussions of that change could be expanded upon. Overall, this story is an enjoyable read with a darkly humorous tone and important social message that is worth developing even more.