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Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure 5

10. Vocabulary in Context. In paragraph 28, Sedaris writes, “rather than words, my mouth
expelled chocolate, chewed chocolate, which fell onto the sleeve of her sweater.” Explain the section two
meaning of the word expelled in this context. How is it similar to and different from other uses
you know? What makes it an effective word choice in this instance?
11. Sedaris uses diction thoughtfully, often revealing key details of his characters through careful /
word choice. What do each of the underlined words reveal about the characters being
described or about the narrator, Sedaris himself:
a. “Because they had no TV, the Tomkeys were forced to talk during dinner. They had no idea David Sedaris
how puny their lives were” (par. 7).
b. “What must it be like to be so ignorant and alone? Could a normal person ever imagine it?”
(par. 8).
c. “‘You mean our candy?’ Lisa said. ‘The candy we earned?’” (par. 17).
d. “[ T ]hen one by one we eased our way back upstairs, and joined our parents in front of the
TV” (par. 33).
12. The humor in Sedaris’s writing often takes the form of commentary on the ridiculousness of a
situation or, as often is the case in this narrative, his own youthful cluelessness. Look back at
these excerpts and explain how Sedaris builds humor and communicates something about
himself to the reader:
a. “It occurred to me that they needed a guide, someone who could accompany them
through the course of an average day and point out all the things they were unable to
understand. I could have done it on weekends, but friendship would have taken away their
mystery and interfered with the good feeling I got from pitying them” (par. 9).
b. “Asking for candy on Halloween was called ‘trick-or-treating’ but asking for candy on
November first was called begging” (par. 13).
c. “The headache began immediately, and I chalked it up to tension” (par. 26).
d. “She shook her arm, and the mound of chocolate dropped like a horrible turd upon my
bedspread. ‘You should look at yourself,’ she said. ‘I mean, really look at yourself’” (par. 29).
e. “For months I had protected and watched over these people, but now, with one stupid act,
they had turned my pity into something hard and ugly” (par. 35).
13. Irony is a term used to describe how writers use words and situations to communicate meaning
that is the opposite of what is stated and expected, often for humorous effect. Reread portions
of this narrative and locate places where Sedaris is likely being ironic. Explain how what he says
differs from his intended meaning.

Topics for Composing

14. Analysis. Even though he says that he doesn’t want to “look at himself,” what does Sedaris
reveal about himself in this piece? Is he introspective or not? What evidence from the narrative
supports your interpretation?
15. Argument. The Tomkeys do not have a television, which today might be the equivalent of not
having Internet access — or at least not having streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Would
you and your family be better off without those entertainment choices, or would you be
“ignorant and alone” (par. 8)? Write an argument for or against having access to seemingly
limitless streaming entertainment services.

Uncorrected proofs have been used in this sample. 171
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
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