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Mary Roach's Stiff Essay

412 Words2 Pages

In her nonfiction book Stiff, Mary Roach frequently uses parentheses and footnotes to include interesting information that is loosely related to her narration. This style conveys humorous and intriguing facts in a way that an apathetic reader can easily skip. While interesting, Roach will include tangents. The attached visual illustrates her writing style of including less relevant information that may interest the reader.
The target in the image has no bullseyes. Instead the arrows form a ring within the second and third innermost colors. In archery, archers are expected to aim for the center of the target. However, each archer makes a choice when they aim. One may decide to form a shape (like a circle) or aim for a certain color or spot. …show more content…

While the list includes several unique possibilities, it isn’t necessary to understand the story. The use of footnotes allows Roach to impart what she thinks is thought-provoking, even if it isn’t part of the experience she is currently relating.The archer in the image represents the reader. The reader can continue to read the main story and skip the footnotes. Like an archer is expected to aim for the bullseye, a reader is supposed to finish the book. However, the reader chooses if they want to read footnotes, the author’s notes, and prefaces. The point of reading is to increase knowledge. Roach uses footnotes to impart additional information which does further the acquisition of knowledge. Besides the frequent footnotes, Roach uses parentheses often to include thoughts which inessential to the narration. These parentheses may contain humorous comments and short facts of low relevance, such as details regarding the labeling of an effigy of Dr. Robert Knox (52).
Including humor engages the audience and keeps them interested in the book. Finishing a book and bettering aim both take time. If the experience is fun and versatile, it is easier to continue. Always shooting for the same spot and

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