Read both selections:
Us and Them, David Sedaris, pp 883 – 889
Who is Malala? Malala Yousafzai, pp 900 – 905
For the Written Text answer the following questions:
What is author’s purpose in each piece?
Describe the tone of each story. Share a section of each that illustrates the tone and mood.
Compare and contrast the two pieces. What elements are similar? What elements are different? Which is more effective in reaching the author’s purpose?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Here’s an analysis based on the readings:
1. Author’s Purpose in Each Piece:
- “Us and Them” by David Sedaris: The author’s purpose in this essay is to explore the complexities of social divisions and class differences with humor. Sedaris uses personal anecdotes to reflect on how people often find it difficult to understand or relate to those who live in different circumstances. Through his story about his childhood interactions with the Tomkey family, Sedaris subtly critiques the narrow-mindedness that can arise from these differences while also highlighting his own biases.
- “Who is Malala?” by Malala Yousafzai: The purpose of this essay is to educate readers about the life and activism of Malala Yousafzai, focusing on her courage, commitment to education, and the fight for girls’ rights under oppressive circumstances. It also aims to inspire readers by presenting Malala as a symbol of resilience against adversity and advocating for the importance of education for all.
2. Tone of Each Story:
- “Us and Them”: The tone is comedic and ironic, as Sedaris reflects on his childhood experiences and the strange habits of his neighbors. Despite the humor, there’s an underlying sense of criticism and introspection regarding how differences are perceived in society. For example, Sedaris writes about his first experiences with the Tomkey family: “We thought that they were poor, but we never quite understood why they were poor or how they could stand to be poor.” This illustrates the humor and irony in his observations.
- “Who is Malala?”: The tone is serious, inspirational, and informative. It conveys the gravity of Malala’s situation and her activism. An excerpt like: “Malala refused to accept that girls were not allowed to go to school,” reflects the tone of determination and resilience.
3. Comparison and Contrast:
- Similarities: Both pieces deal with themes of perception and challenge. Sedaris explores social divisions, while Malala highlights the gendered division in access to education. Both authors aim to inspire a change in the reader’s perspective.
- Differences: Sedaris uses humor to address issues of class and societal differences, while Malala’s writing is straightforward and earnest, focusing on a serious, personal struggle for education and equality.
- Effectiveness: “Us and Them” is effective in its comedic portrayal, allowing the reader to reflect on social prejudices with humor. In contrast, “Who is Malala?” is more impactful in its directness and earnestness, as it highlights Malala’s courage and the global need for change.
In conclusion, “Who is Malala?” is more effective in reaching its purpose of inspiring action for girls’ education, while “Us and Them” is more effective at sparking reflection on social divisions through humor.