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Critical Analysis Essay of the article “Me Talk Pretty One Day”...

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Critical Analysis Essay of the article “Me Talk Pretty One Day” Monica Mina English Department, Southern New Hampshire University English 122: Composition 1 Professor Sara Amato August 23, 2020

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In his article “Me Talk Pretty One Day” David Sedaris humorously tells the story of his experience moving to Paris to learn the language. He finds humor in his distress being the new, older student in a class where everyone knows each other and trying to learn French from a cruel teacher. He endures much emotional discomfort in and out of the classroom but decides to use that as motivation to really learn the language and succeed. His unique story addresses how the gratification of learning a new language and finally understanding it, far outweighs the misery he endured trying to learn it, is successful because Sedaris didn’t allow his own insecurities to stop him from enrolling in a French class, he shows his ability to turn adversity into a success, and how small victories can make all the hard work so worth it. On his first day of class he felt insecure and out of place because he thought his classmates were more beautiful and confidant than he was. He thought that at the age of fortyone “a reasonable person should have completed his sentence in the prison of the nervous and the insecure--isn't that the great promise of adulthood?” (Sedaris, 1999) but he feels he is more nervous now than he was twenty years ago. Though he had taken a French class in New York, he felt he should be farther along in his studies because his classmates spoke “excellent French” (Sedaris, 1999) and that only increased his anxiety. His teacher was so cruel, insulting, condescending and hard on him and his classmates. He likened his time spent with her to that of being around a “wild animal” (Sedaris, 1999). She was unpredictable in her behavior and made fun of the answers given to her questions. “How often are you asked what you love in this world? More important, how often are you asked and then publicly ridiculed for your answer?” (Sedaris. 1999) Her treatment made him

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uncomfortable to go out in public for fear of having to have a conversation in French because he was terrified of anyone asking him a question. Sedaris turned his mistreatment into motivation to do better. He spent more time on his studies to prove to his teacher that he was not “an ignorant and uninspired ensigiejsokhjx” (Sedaris, 1999). He wanted to prove to himself that he could get it. He would have encouraging conversations with his classmates in broken French that he humorously compared to the kinds “overheard at a refugee camp” (Sedaris, 1999). And he took comfort in knowing he was not alone. There was a point in time where he felt that him and his classmates would never learn French. One day, his teacher said, "Every day spent with you is like having a cesarean section." (Sedaris, 1999) and he could finally understand what she said. He felt so much joy and satisfaction knowing that his hard work was paying off. He knew he still had a long way to go, understanding this new language, but he was going to sit back and enjoy this small victory. “Me Talk Pretty One Day” by David Sedaris conveys that no matter how miserable the process of learning something new can be, keep going because eventually you will get it. Despite feeling old and out of place, Sedaris still enrolled in a French class, persevered through a grueling learning environment and savored his moment of understanding. Sedaris’s experience was not a fun one. Even though the subject matter was serious, Sedaris does not take himself so seriously. He was able to find humor in his misery, which is something we can all benefit from. Sedaris shows his experience learning French while poking fun at himself and gives the reader an insight into the difficulties and challenges in adapting to a new culture. His wit and humor made his story relatable and thoroughly enjoyable. I was not sure what to expect when I started analyzing this article. The process made me appreciate the steps it took to write an effective essay. Critical thinking is about being an active

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listener and involves the ability to reflect on an idea. There is a great deal that you learn analyzing your own work. Breaking my essay down into smaller parts and learning more effective ways of revision was challenging and helpful. I feel more confident in the skills I have learned that, going forward in my academic career, I will be able to communicate more effectively.

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References

Sedaris, D. (1999). Me talk pretty one day, Esquire 131(3), p 86. 3p....