On Dumpster Diving

Starcher 1

Reagan Starcher 
Mrs. Parkinson
English III
5 April 2016 

On Dumpster Diving 

The author of this piece thoughtfully presents the information in way that causes the reader to have empathy for, and a new opinion of, homeless individuals. Stereotypes of the homeless are broken by the introduction which details Eighner's employment and previous job experience. By tracking the transition from employment to a homeless man, the reader is able to connect with the author and understand how life for some can take a drastic turn for the worst. Throughout the publishing, the use of elevated diction allows readers to understand that homeless people are often times intelligent. Pathos is used throughout the piece to aid Eighner with his goal of pulling on reader's heart strings. When disusing how he no longer has sentimental objects, he states, "many times in our travels I have lost everything..."(Eighner 66). The inclusion of this phrase highlights the point that he has no set home. Word choice contributes through the effect of pathos throughout the text as well. In the line, "living in a shack"(Eighner 5) Eighner chooses the word shack for its negative connotation. In addition to these examples of pathos the author utilizes surprising statements to get the readers attention. The declaration, "all my clothes came from dumpsters,"(Eighner 5) shocks some individuals by causing them to think about what it would be like to obtain a wardrobe from the garbage. These purposeful techniques allow Eighner to help people understand the hardships homeless people face and the evolution of how one ends up on the street.  

Of Mice and Men

Reagan Starcher                                                                                                                    Starcher 1

Mrs. Parkinson

English III

3.14.16

Of Mice and Men 

            Lennie goes into Crook’s room despite the fact that the other men on the farm do not go in. Crook informs Linnie, “You got no right to come in my room” (Steinbeck 68). Crook harshly tells Lennie to leave and that since he is not allowed in the white quarters, Linnie should not be allowed in his. The fact that Linnie enters his room anyways proves he does not understand racial barriers. His ignorance of society’s segregation opens the door for interaction between white and blacks on the farm. Linne engages in conversation with Crook and they proceeded to talk about talk about future dreams. Although mocking of people with large dreams at first, Crook begins to like the sound of a little ranch to own. Crook eventually states, “If you…guys would want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why I’d come an’ lend a hand” (Steinbeck 76). This shows a shift in Crooks opinion of the other men on the farm and him wanting to form better relationships with them. Lennie’s action to talk to Crook could be the beginning of a merge between the men on the farm.

America by Claude McKay

Reagan Starcher

Mrs. Parkinson
English III
3.7.16

Harlem Renaissance

The duality that existed in America can be learned from the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. The poem America by Claude McKay offers a unique and contrasting view of society. At a time while many were embracing the care-free lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties, other were struggling to escape the dark, and discriminatory consequences of the Jim Crow Laws. Both the love and hate that existed within America at the time is depicted throughout the poem. The negative view is revealed in the beginning when it reads, "Feeds me bread of bitterness." This statement means that although the country is providing for its people, there are limited rights and underlying problems for many individuals. The negative view transitions to analyze things from a more positive perspective of America. The statement, "I love this cultured hell..." shows that despite his disagreement with the inequalities in the country, he still loves it and the opportunities for future prosperity that exist. The duality of the poem reflects the contrasting lifestyles during this time period. This contrast speaks to the power of the writing and proves thoughtfulness by the author. We are able to learn from reading publishings from the Harlem Renaissance that this time was a breakthrough period for African Americans that helped them to regain hope in the country.