Traveling Through Mr. Plimpton's Revenge

George Plimpton 

Mr. Plimpton's Revenge takes the reader through the journey of Dinty W. Moore as he encounters the "tall, wry, erudite, and gracious" Plimpton. Moore, a free spirited writing undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh, has the job of picking up Plimpton, a successful author, from the Pittsburgh International Airport. Like the main character, we three authors, Devan, Jack, and Sean, are also undergraduate students in the University of Pittsburgh system. While our personal experiences may differ from Moore's, we can often relate to his reactions, persona, thoughts, and stresses associated with both academic and personal life. In this, we have a unique perspective that allows for an otherwise impersonal connection to be very much personal. What follows between Moore and Plimpton is a series of repeating encounters that take us throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. 

Dinty W. Moore 

Our story begins in Pittsburgh, PA. Moore is living out his college life like many other students would by drinking, smoking, sleeping, and missing classes. Moore was thought to be reliable by professors, and so he was assigned to pick up Mr. Plimpton, an incoming guest speaker at the University, from the airport. The two men grabbed some quick Chinese food, though Moore forgot his wallet, unprofessionally leaving Plimpton to foot the bill. The student then took Plimpton to his hotel. This situation would leave any student embarrassed. Mr. Plimpton was somewhat a celebrity in the writing world. Moore looked up to him because that was something he wanted to do; he too wanted to be a writer. At least this would pass and Moore would never see him again... or so he thought.

Moore was sent as a reporter to Harrisburg,PA along with four other students in order to receive state funding to continue their Pitt News. While sitting in the airport waiting to fly back to Pittsburgh, Moore saw the author he met not too long ago, Mr. Plimpton sitting across from him. After making eye contact, Moore decided to approach Plimpton and ask if he remembered his old chauffeur. Plimpton simply thanked him and left Moore feeling awkward. Once again, Moore was in an embarrassing situation. Not many students would approach someone in public that they only met once. Moore must have been feeling brave that day.

Following graduation, Moore and some "dope fiend friends" went to New York City to celebrate. After a rowdy night on the town, they decided to visit a famous music store on 48th Street. Moore steps outside and, sure enough, sees Mr. Plimpton across the way. The author looks up but seems to be unsure of who Moore is and walks away. Moore thinks he will, once again, never see Plimpton again. This is the second time Moore has encountered Mr. Plimpton unexpectedly. Was it fate? Moore must have felt like the Universe was punishing him for his past actions. At least Moore was facing his past head on by reaching out to try to get Mr. Plimpton's attention.

Manny's Music Store has since been closed. 

Moore was invited to a national nonfiction conference at a university in Baltimore where the keynote speaker was none other than Mr. Plimpton. Moore was surprised that after the book signing, Mr. Plimpton walked right up to him and said he remembered when Moore was his escort back in Pittsburgh. Moore was speechless as Plimpton walked away. Just then, a faculty member flashes a deviant grin. Apparently, Moore missed some inside joke.

The big take away from this story is that Mr. Plimpton never really remembered Moore, though all their encounters left Moore feeling embarrassed of the past. Moore let all the different encounters impact him and made his life stressful. He was afraid that the intelligent Plimpton would look down on him and judge him for that awkward first encounter. If Plimpton was just a random person, then perhaps Moore would not have cared as much. However, Plimpton was a famous author - someone that an up-and-coming writer aspires to be.

Contributors:

Devan Orr
Sean McCarney
Jack Shirk