In his essay, “The Plot against People,” Baker uses a satirically serious tone when discussing the issue of inanimate objects. Baker begins his essay by scientifically classifying inanimate objects into “three major categories” that are “based on the methods each object uses” “to resist man and ultimately defeat him” (2, 4-6). Throughout his essay, Baker’s diction and syntax creates a tone of mockery, which contributes to his purpose of mocking and making fun of people’s ability to lose things and make cheap things. For example, he states that “scientists have been struck by the fact that things that break down virtually never get lost, while things that get lost hardly ever break down” (3-4). Bakers uses a formal and scientific language