This paper compares the writing styles of Cherokee Paul McDonald in “A View from the Bridge” and Lars Eighner in “On Dumpster Diving”.
This paper explains that both authors use first-person and the active voice to speak about their experiences; however, McDonald relies heavily on dialogue in his recounting of an experience, and Eighner uses description to explain the act of “dumpster diving” and its meaning. The author points out that Eighner feels he is teaching a very profound lesson, so he makes use of words that are more complex, often referring simpler words to the more complex words. The paper relates that the voice McDonald chose to use was more of a “friendly voice”, as if McDonald was telling his tale to a friend.
“In McDonald’s essay, he speaks of his experience fishing with a blind boy. While he uses first person, he also uses dialogue to explain what is going on. This allows the reader to get a feel for what is going on. Through the important interaction of the author with the blind boy, one is able to see the lesson that is trying to be taught. The language the author selects for himself and the little boy help to the audience to see into their characters. McDonald uses short sentences, symbolizing his short temper and lack of patience with the boy. The little boy refers to McDonald as Mister and uses the word hey frequently to show the reader the youth of the boy and his innocence.”