My interests as a student and teacher of literature know almost no bounds. I like it all—poetry, drama, film, short and long fiction, non-fiction of any kind. From anywhere and any period. I have taught ancient world literature all the way up to today, early American literature until now, and introduction to film.

And every semester I teach a basic survey called Composition 2 in which we read from different genres, practice thinking critically about them, and write essays that defend our analyses. I get to choose what we read from a giant anthology, so I learn along with my students by reading new works or re-reading pieces I have read before with new eyes.

The job of English teacher is a good one for a writer because of the overlap between reading and writing. I think reading and talking about literature with students, and teaching them how to write, makes me a better writer. Every once in a while, I scribble down a poem. I am interested in writing fiction as well as non-fiction like these columns, and maybe a memoir someday. And while I have no interest in playwrighting, I love to read and watch plays and study the craft of great playwrights, particularly American giants Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller.

Williams’ realm is the human psyche........

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