This to me was actually quite an optimistic story. It seems to me that Dan is a talented writer who can milk a sob story. In order to get ahead in life -- admi

This to me was actually quite an optimistic story. It seems to me that Dan is a talented writer who can milk a sob story. In order to get ahead in life -- admissions, sympathy -- he would concoct very elaborate and heart breaking stories. The reason I find this optimistic is that it worked. People really feel bad for each other, want to help each other, make allowances for each other and trust each other.