Reading Response for Feature Writing - Article - Mrs. Kelly's Monster

In Feature Writing the class read Mrs. Kelly's Monster, a Pulitzer by Jon Franklin, and we asked to answer the folling questions:

What news feature is this?
This Feature has multiple feels of what kind of story it is: A profile of Mrs. Kelly and her Monster (AVM - arterial-venous malformation) and her trying to be ailed by neoro-surgeon, Dr. THomas Barbee Ducker. The story could also be considered a medical story because of the pain and suffering Mrs. Kelly went through since 1942, and the operation that could either kill her or save her. There are also paticipatory elements to this story for the journalist is in the operating room, giving step by step highlights of Mrs. Kely's operation. All in all I would say this piece reigns in the Profile area.

How is the feature structured?
Mrs. Kelly's Monster is mainly structured in a Day-in-the-life format held within dramatic unity. The story starts with Ducker's breakfast, and then to Mrs. Kelly's monster, and her feelings about her procedure. The story is chronological, set up by times (ie- 6:30AM, 7:15 AM, 8:25 AM...). Franklin also uses the element of atmoshere by adding  the "pop, pop,pop" sounds, and descriptive wordings such as "tortured path...millimeter leap....electrical bzzzzzzt.... and "a time bomb the size of a pea." these words and phrases capture what it is like doing brain surgery as Franklin is observing the procedure.

What is the story about?
Mainly the story is about Dr. Ducker trying to alleviate Mrs. Kelly's 2 arteries in her brain from exploding so he may be able to untangle a knot of abnormal blood vessals in her brain. Although the story is about Mrs. Kelly, the main focus is about Dr. Ducker and the intense procedure itself. Unfortunately, unforseen happenings arise during the procedure, and...(I don't wat to give away anything if you haven't read it).

Why is this a feature?
This is a feature because it holds to the theme of journalistic writing in the format of there being a voice within the writing bu there is more of a story as opposed to a bias. The piece also brings drama to the reader as well as the feeling of what being a brain surgeon could be like without the all the technical terms.