1. The Rather Difficult Case of Mr. K*A*P*L*A*N
Leo Rosten

2. Leo Rosten 1908 – 1997 Rosten was born in Lodz, Poland
His family moved to the United States when he was 3
He earned a PhD from the University of Chicago
His first books were written under a pseudonym

3. During the Depression he taught evening classes in English to pay for college
Rosten married twice; he had 2 daughters and a son with his first wife
He loved books and reading; he was known for his library
He died in 1997

4. His Work
Rosten was from a family that spoke both English and Yiddish (a language spoken by many Jewish families)
He wrote a book about being Jewish, which added Yiddish words to the English vernacular
In fact, his understanding of words, dialect, and presenting accents sets him apart
He wrote fiction, nonfiction, and mysteries
He also wrote screenplays for several popular movies in the ‘40s and ‘50s

6. The Rather Difficult Case of Mr. K*A*P*L*A*N, page 520
This story is from his first and most popular book
It is based in part on his own experiences as a teacher
The various characters are from different countries, and Rosten uses spelling and other techniques to show the accents and dialects of these characters

7. Class Work Read the story in class
Complete Literary Critique, page 524, #s 1-5
Notice the author’s use of diction and how he creates dialect, accents, and humor
Prepare for a class discussion