["The Words of My Roaring"] really operates on two levels. On one level, it is an attempt to show a man who comes to at least a partial understanding of himself. On another level, it is supposed to be funny. I think it was Steve Allen who wrote that the first requisite of a successful comedian was that the audience like him. The best wit will fail when the audience has an antagonism toward the performer. This is the problem with "The Words of My Roaring." Johnnie [the protagonist] isn't very likeable. There are a number of counts one might bring against him. He is an alcoholic of sorts. But this is certainly forgiveable. He commits adultery. Well, even this. He is a rotten provider for his family. But perhaps more importantly, he is just plain stupid. He has virtually no sense of laughter himself; no ability, or...