In the passage, a student expresses frustration with their English teacher, Mr. Franklin. The student believes English itself isn't the issue; rather, it’s the teacher's strict approach to the subject that creates a problem. The teacher has assigned an essay about favorite subjects, and the student wishes to write about lunch. However, Mr. Franklin dismisses lunch as a valid topic, leading the student to feel misunderstood.

This conflict showcases the tension between the student's creativity and the teacher's rigid expectations. The student's desire to explore a lighthearted and personal topic is stifled, reflecting a common struggle in education when rules overshadow students' natural interests. The situation highlights how subjective perceptions of what constitutes a legitimate subject can hinder genuine expression in a student's writing.