Summary and Analysis Week 1

Let it Snow

Summary:

In the essay of Let it Snow by David Sedaris it recalls a day his fifth grade life when snow fell in North Caroline and school was our for several of days. David and his sisters were kicked out of the house due to their mother's drinking habit. On the fifth day, out of anger David and his sisters decided that a good solution for their problem would be having their youngest sister get hit by a car. But in the end no on gets hurt and after the drama they all went home with their mother as a family.

Analyzing:

1. I think the snowstorm implies how the family's past is by how there are some good days and bad days.
2. I think the adult narrator now looks back and think that the "solution" is a little naive and silly. I believe in the end it shows the narrator feels differently now.
3. Without the humor in the essay it wouldn't been as effective it could have also sent the essay in a different direction.
4. Given the tone in the end of the story it made me feel that the children still care and love their mother after all that hardship due to the mother's nature and nurture.

Monster in Ryokan

Summary:

In the essay Monster in Ryokan by Mary Roach she writes about an experience she had staying in a traditional Japanese hotel. Roach does compare her culture to the Japanese culture in her essay. Also, had a lot of observations on what the Japanese beliefs and tradition are such as taking off your shoes when entering at the door and having different slippers for certain rooms. After Roach know what is expected from the culture it will take her time to adapt.

Analyzing:

1. I think this statement frames the rest of the essay by her observations and comparisons among other cultures. Also, I believe it was very effective the way she began her essay because it catches the reader's attention.
2. I believe the comparisons between the two cultures are applicable. I think she wrote this essay this way because she wanted it to be interesting to the reader and that a person was involved instead of comparing the two cultures side by side.
3. It seems like throughout the essay she presents herself as a victim and it engaged the reader as being in her position to any foreign country.
4. I think people enjoy reading travelers' stories because you can get an idea of people's point of view and experiences on culture, religion, tradition, and also getting knowledge of it.