University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
ENGL 208 | Creative Writing
Academic year:

2020
Views:

75

Pages:

1
Author:

Lance Gutierrez

Identifying Your Thesis The articles main claim in David Sedaris’s “Me Talk Pretty One Day”, is about overcoming obstacles through hard work and perserverance despite someones age. The first key point is seen at the beginning of the author’s story, when reflecting on how uncomfortable he felt being older than the other students. Along with feeling uncomfortable, he is also intimidated by the other students, and their ability to speak fluently in French, or so he thought. The second key point is how Sedaris humorously describes his teacher as being shrewd; not only to him, but to the other students as well. Although the effects of his teacher’s behavior brought on fear and discomfort, he would spend many hours doing his homework to try and excel in her class. Her method of teaching may have not been as suitable, but it gave him the motivation to try harder and not give up. The last key point comes in the end, when Sedaris experiences a rewarding moment for himself by fully understanding what it is the teacher is saying. Throughout the story lies a constant fear of failing no matter how hard someone may try. By sticking out those trivial moments and working effortlessly to achieve them, came a moment of clairity and understanding.