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Lars Eighner's On Dumpster Diving

1071 Words5 Pages
Dumpster diving is a term particularly new to most individuals. It is quite confusing to determine if the term is defined as an art, a passion, or just another method of survival. The well-known author, Lars Eighner defines the true art form of dumpster diving in his essay, “On Dumpster Diving.” Eighner narrates his personal story of homelessness as he discloses specific directions on how to scavenge and how to go through a dumpster. He cleverly organizes his instruction on dumpster diving into various sections which gradually teach us about the craft and the passion. Throughout his journalistic essay, Eighner compares and contrasts between two opposing elements, classifies and divides important matters into several categories, and explains the effects of certain decisions in order to cover all aspects of dumpster diving. Eighner introduces the topic of dumpster diving by exhibiting an unusual interest for the definition and the history of dumpsters. He then progresses to elaborate on the impact this discovery had on his life and relates dumpster diving to his current situation of homelessness. By exploring the definition of dumpster diving, the author presents different views of scavenging, scournging, and foraging. Eighner reminds us that dumpster diving is merely the act of living from the refuse of others. With his personal narration and exemplification of the articles found in the dumpster, he reasons the legitimacy of this way of living. Without any doubt, he also
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