Many might think from a glance that this book is anything but funny. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers written by Mary Roach is an uproariously humorous book that is able to take a serious situation and add a light-hearted twang to it. She is far from reserved, as she is quite blunt. Within her last chapters she incorporates chapters on cannibalism, dumplings stuffed with human remains, and methods of disposal that are filled with tons of fascinating facts. Similar to her first couple of chapters she lists the benefits on human cadavers, and their role in society. Many make assumptions, along with generalizations, about using a deceased body as it is "unnatural" and "disrespectful". Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers has completely changed my perspective on human cadavers, and allowed me to no longer believe in these generalizations. Throughout the novel she incorporated many rhetorical devices including rhetorical questions, metaphors, and personification to make the stories come to life for the reader. She is able to connect and relate with her readers and create images rather than loading them with boring facts and knowledge. She states, "the brain being the seat of the soul, the chief commander of life and death,"(Roach 186), through this we see her very poetic and imaginative mindset that she places in each chapter. Overall, Mary Roach's novel is an outstanding book that not only demonstrates the possibilities with a cadaver, but also makes you laugh.
No comments:
Post a Comment