Class 8: Unit-5: University Days

University Days by James Thurber

“University Days” is a humorous story written by James Thurber about his experiences as a struggling student at university. The story focuses on three specific classes where Thurber faced challenges: botany, economics and gymnasium.

In botany, all students were required to look at plant cells through a microscope. However, Thurber had trouble seeing anything through the microscope, no matter how much he tried. His professor would patiently show him how to adjust the microscope, but Thurber could only see a blurry, milky substance. This frustrated the professor, who eventually became angry and claimed that Thurber wasn’t trying hard enough. One time, after many adjustments, Thurber thought he finally saw something and drew it. Unfortunately, it turned out that he had drawn his own eye because the microscope had reflected it!

Thurber also faced difficulties in economics. One of his classmates, Bolenciecwcz, was a football star who needed to pass his courses to remain eligible to play. The economics professor, Mr. Bassum, would ask Bolenciecwcz very simple questions to help him pass. During one class, Mr. Bassum asked Bolenciecwcz to name a form of transportation. Despite the hints, Bolenciecwcz could not come up with an answer until the professor and other students made train sounds, leading him to finally say “train”. The class celebrated his answer, as everyone wanted him to do well for the sake of the football team.

Gymnasium class was another struggle for Thurber. He had poor eyesight and was not allowed to wear his glasses during exercises, which made it hard for him to participate. He often bumped into equipment and people. To pass the swimming requirement, which he strongly disliked, Thurber had another student swim across the pool in his place.

Throughout the story, Thurber humorously highlights his inability to succeed in these courses, despite his best efforts. The professors, each in their own way, either tried to help him or gave up in frustration. The story shows how academic life can be challenging, especially when students have difficulties that traditional teaching methods don’t address. However, Thurber’s light-hearted tone turns these struggles into funny and memorable experiences.

Summary of University Days in Points

University Days is a humorous autobiographical story by James Thurber about his struggles as a university student.
He faces difficulties in three subjects: botany, economics, and gymnasium.
In botany class, Thurber cannot see anything clearly through the microscope.
Despite repeated help from his professor, he only sees a blurry image.
Once, he mistakenly draws his own eye thinking he saw a specimen.
In economics class, a football player named Bolenciecwcz struggles to answer simple questions.
The professor helps him by giving hints, and the class indirectly assists him to pass.
In gym class, Thurber’s poor eyesight makes physical activities difficult.
He often bumps into equipment and struggles to participate properly.
He is not allowed to wear his glasses during exercises, making things worse.
To pass swimming, another student swims on his behalf.
The professors respond with both frustration and attempts to help students succeed.
The story humorously shows the challenges of student life and misunderstandings in education.
Thurber uses a light, comic tone to turn his difficulties into funny incidents.

Central Idea

The story humorously depicts James Thurber’s struggles with university life, showing how personal limitations and rigid teaching methods can make education challenging and absurdly funny.

Themes

Education and Learning Difficulties – Struggles of students who don’t fit the conventional system.
Human Imperfection – Everyone has weaknesses; it’s part of being human.
Humor in Failure – Turning misfortunes into laughter.
Persistence and Frustration – Effort despite repeated failures.

Message

Thurber suggests that education should be more understanding of individual differences, and that humor helps us accept and overcome life’s difficulties.

Literary Devices

Humor and Irony – Used to highlight absurdity in academic experiences.
Exaggeration (Hyperbole) – To create comic effect (e.g., drawing his own eye).
Anecdote – Series of short, funny incidents.
Characterization – Professors and classmates shown through humorous traits.
Satire – Gentle criticism of the education system.

Setting

A university in the early 20th century (Thurber’s college days, likely at Ohio State University).

Tone and Mood

Tone: Humorous, light-hearted, ironic.
Mood: Amusing, sympathetic, reflective.

Characters

James Thurber: The narrator; sincere but clumsy and visually impaired student.
Botany Professor: Impatient yet persistent teacher.
Mr. Bassum (Economics Professor): Kind and encouraging.
Bolenciecwcz: Slow-witted but lovable football player.

Title Justification

The title “University Days” is apt because it recalls Thurber’s memorable, comical experiences during his university years—moments that shaped his humor and outlook on life.