Comp Response #2: Painting with Neil

The vivid descriptions of Neil’s face and dialog in “Painting with Neil” illustrate Neil's sensationalistic impatience. The essay starts off grabbing my attention with the revelation that he already has a frown on his face. His complaints about something as simple as a hot dog show how he is impatient and makes a big deal out of nothing. His drastic change in mood after Homestead ties up the game shows how he is inconsistent and prone to rapid changes in personality. He gets excited when Homestead essentially wins the game, but goes quiet and calm for the rest of the game, showing yet another one of his moods. His rage over the simple issue of a group of people taking his spot at the fence again shows his sensationalistic personality. He “shoots…down” the idea of a movie, emphasizing his irritated mood. He gives up on the game towards the end and decides to go home, which shows his defeated personality. This essay does a good job of describing his various moods that Neil has during the game by describing his face and actions.