Sedaris Topics for discussion

AGENDA:

CONTINUE TO WORK ON YOUR MEMOIRS

Sedariis
Topics for Discussion:

Discuss the use of language. Why do you think Sedaris chooses to focus on language
as a theme in this book? Why do you think that Sedaris implies that less than perfect
linguist skills are a sign of ignorance?
Discuss the role of Lou Sedaris. What similarities do Sedaris and his father share? How
are they different? Why are these similarities and differences important?
Sedaris has a number of obvious biases. Identify at least two of them and explain why
this bias may exist for him.
Sedaris uses humor to touch on several sensitive topics, homosexuality for instance.
Does this comic tone take away from these issues? Does the fact that he makes light of
these issues make them easier to discuss?
Several essays begin with a flashback to an earlier time in Sedaris's life, which
generally sets up the topic for the essay. Discuss how Sedaris uses this mechanism to
continue the themes of growth/self-improvement and self versus society through the
book.
A number of significant places are discussed in this book, but France is particularly
important. Discuss how Sedaris's perception of American life has changed after moving
to France.
Sedaris writes of his encounters with several different people, and how these people
altered his perception of the world and/or himself. Identify at least two of these important