On Dumpster Diving

Emmaline Russell

Parkinson

English 3

4-5-16

Author, Lars Eighner describes his experiences as a dumpster diver through his writing, On Dumpster Diving. Eighner strategically uses pathos throughout the piece in order to attract sympathy from the audience. Starting in paragraph seven, Eighner says, “I think it’s a sound and honorable niche, although if I could I would naturally prefer to live the comfortable consumer life, perhaps- and only perhaps- as a slightly less wasteful consumer, owing to what I scavenger,” (Eighner 7).  In my opinion this appeals to the audience in a sympathetic way. He is telling the audience how he wishes he could live a, comfortable, modern lifestyle. But instead he is forced to become an expert with digging through the trash. Also in paragraph 32 he says, “At first the new scavenger is filled with disgust and self-loathing,” (Eighner 33). This proves the almost, pathetic, attitude associated with living off of another’s trash. It’s not an ideal lifestyle and he points that out multiple times. I think Eighner really wanted the audience to feel thankful, and to be less wasteful. Eighner and many others don’t live as luxurious of a lifestyle.

America, Claude McKay

Emmaline Russell

Mrs. Parkinson

Bell 1

7 March 2016

America by Claude McKay is a poem written during the Harlem Renaissance. This poem portrays the two sides of life in America. McKay shows how rigorous work can be if you want to be on top. He also shows the safe side of America. He portrays how reliable and promising America is for him. I think both of these depictions are important to present day teenages. I think it should remind us to be thankful for what we have. We have safety provided to us “I stand within her walls with not a shred of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.” Many other countries do not have the luxury of protection like we do. Also he depicts the abundance of opportunity we have “Darkly I gaze into the days ahead, And see her might and granite wonders there”. We have the freedom of entrepreneurship and personal success in our mixed economy. As Americans we also need to be thankful for our diversity. The differences in backgrounds, thinking, skills, and talents drives competition and progression. It also makes life more interesting and enjoyable. “I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth.” These are just some of the simple ways we can be thankful for what we have.