Thursday, June 16, 2016

An Overdue Anecdote

Sometimes something happens that is so priceless, so unique, that it begs to be told publicly. Because the two main people involved are no longer alive, I can finally tell this story.



During my Grade 11 English class, we read from Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, about the Salem witch hunt (and an allegory for the 1947 Hollywood Communist blacklist witch hunt).

Various characters were (falsely) claiming that they saw other characters with the Devil. "Goody" was a term that meant "Miss" or "Missus."

Going down the class rows, each of us read one line from the play. It sounded something like this.


I saw Goody Good with the Devil!



   I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil!


My friend was next. But instead of the written line, she read:



        I saw Gordie Howe with the Devil!




8 comments:

  1. I had to look up the sports reference, but now I get it! I'll bet the class thought it was hilarious. Was it intentional?

    Susan

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    1. We all laughed uncontrollable for five minutes, including the teacher. My poor friend was so embarrassed at her misreading.

      Yeah, Gordie Howe was a true Canadian hockey hero, a nice person, and the last person imaginable in that scenario! In his eulogies, they called him Mr. Hockey.

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    2. ...uh, that should read "uncontrollably."

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  2. Here's a link about Gordie Howe:

    https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2016/06/15/final-farewell-to-gordie-howe-illuminates-legacy-feschuk.html

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  3. Oh, that devilish Gordie. I may have seen him also...

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  4. Lol, your friend was funny, Barbara. Ah yes, I've heard of Gordie Howe. A Canadian & ice hockey legend. Sorry to learn about his passing.

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad I was finally able to share this funny story. I hope Gordie and my friend are laughing about it in heaven. :-)

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Give a hoot.