Batting Clean Up And Stririking Out Analysis

“My theory on housework is, if the item doesn’t multiply, smell, catch fire or block the refrigerator door, let it be,” says Erma Bombeck, an American humorist, author, and columnist. In fact, groups in society are often based on these differences in personality, or activities, between people; but, Bombeck shows that not all women are clean freaks. Dave Barry’s essay “Batting Clean-Up and Striking Out” and Suzanne Britt’s “Neat People vs. Sloppy People” each shows the face of two groups; Barry chooses to compare men and women, and Britt opts for neat and sloppy people. Actually, these essays look and feel different to the reader because of the way each author organizes their essay and talks about their subjects; even though they share some

When he says: “She is in there looking … Everywhere!” (Barry 249), it makes many people relate to the situation, both men and women; plus, there is no pretentiousness in the way the author tells his story. Conversely, Britt looks more serious, almost harsh in her claims. Indeed, she states: “Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people” (Britt 242). By saying that, there are chances that someone could get offended and does not find it funny; especially if a neat person is reading it. Then, Barry uses personal experiences, anecdotes, and a friendly tone which is definitely in his favor: “What often happens in my family unit” (249). In fact, this helps understand the example and it could make the reader remember something similar that happened in their family; as a result, Barry connects with his audience. But, Britt does not write the same way because she does not use her own experience. Then, the reader can question the accuracy of her claims. She affirms that: “Neat people don’t care about process” (Britt 243). Also: “They are so insensitive” (Britt 244). Actually, being that straightforward and undiplomatic is risky for Britt. In fact, some might say that none of the examples she gives are true; also, the lack of personal experiences, makes it look more judgmental than it might be. The only evidence she uses comes from someone she knew (Britt 243), which is vague. Nevertheless,

First, Britt writes: “Sloppy people live in Never-Never Land” (242). The Peter Pan’s Never Land reference is a way for the author to imply that sloppy people keep their childhood innocence, as well as their immaturity and irresponsibility. Also, Barry says: “Soon all four of us…pivotal game.” (250). Here, the author talks about the World Series, but “pivotal game” can implicitly be referring to the type of game people in a relationship often play. Another similar literary element is repetition; for example, Barry uses “but” three times, which accentuates the contrast between his subjects. On the other hand, Britt repeats “Someday” six times throughout her paragraph on sloppy people. This might seem redundant and somewhat annoying, but it justifies the use of “Never-Never Land”. As an illustration, “Sloppy people carry in their mind’s eye a heavenly vision…it can’t be achieved in this world or the next.” (Britt 242) proves that sloppy person procrastinate; hence, “someday”. Finally, allusions are present in both essays and help each author’s humor. When it comes to Britt, she points out that sloppy people: “…sit down and read all the back issues of The New Yorker.” (Britt 243). However, she claims that neat people: “…sit down and watch rasslin’ on TV.” (Britt 243). Thus, the author shows different levels intelligence through these allusions, saying that these two