Final Portfolio

1

Sedaris Response

Sedaris and Speech Therapy

Sedaris did not like speech therapy because he was one of the few boys in school who needed the therapy, and he believes this places him in the unpopular category. He perceives that speech therapy actively distinguishes him from the other children in school. The people who I have experienced being treated like an outsider are exchange students. Sedaris experience, along with that of exchange students, is different from discrimination because it is not unfounded. Sedaris speech therapy was founded as he had a problem while exchange students require special consideration to cope in a foreign institution.

Serious and Humorous Tone

Description in a serious tone: “Uninsulated electrical wires can shock you.” Description in a humorous tone: “You probably shouldn’t touch naked wires; it won’t end well.” The serious tone is different from the humorous tone because it is more direct and uses formal language. On the other hand, the humorous tone uses many informal words and metaphors to convey meaning.

Difference Between Sedaris as A Young Man and As An Adult

Sedaris was ready to be humorous with adults even if it was not well received as a young man. For instance, he refuses to use the letter s even though it is necessary for speech therapy. His music teacher, Mr. Machini, also amuses Sedaris because of his height, more than he is of the instrument he is using. As an adult, Sedaris would not actively pursue humor; it is just a consequence of his experiences, such as speaking bad French, although he wants to learn the language (Sedaris, 2000).

Rooster’s Foul Language

The Rooster’s foul language results from his direct personality, and it is one of the reasons his father favors him. The Rooster and Lou Sedaris have a close relationship because although his speech is foul, he will always take care of his father and be honest with his thoughts.

Reference

Sedaris, David. (2000). Me Talk Pretty One Day. New York: Little, Brown. 166-173.