This book shows how certain social roles that people have played with David Sedaris, as well as ones that Sedaris himself has played, have shaped his work as a satirist; also, it compares such work to "Remembrance of Things Past."
This thesis explores an emerging genre of podcasted satirical nonfiction. Through in- depth analysis of David Sedaris‘ essays and podcast contributions, the case study concludes on the changes that occur during the process of... more
This thesis explores an emerging genre of podcasted satirical nonfiction. Through in- depth analysis of David Sedaris‘ essays and podcast contributions, the case study concludes on the changes that occur during the process of transitioning from print to audio. The case study discusses the features of print and podcasted essays based on the narrative and rhetorical analyses, in order to explore the editing process that occurs while transferring a story from one medium to another. The non-invasiveness and non-intrusiveness of podcasts allows for telling of personal stories through creating an intimate connection with listeners. Since the reach of podcasts as a medium is expanding it opens more opportunities for relatable and subjective stories that resonate with the audience. However, the subjective take on stories brings in ethical complications concerning truthfulness and authenticity, which is intensified by podcasts‘ strong influence in the media today. This thesis puts together all of the features of stories in both formats and provides an overview on the transformation they go through in order to become podcast pieces.
"Why has David Sedaris never won a MacArthur Award?" That's what David Sedaris wrote in my copy of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk when I asked him to write the first line of my dissertation. It's a self-centered probe, to be sure. But although... more
"Why has David Sedaris never won a MacArthur Award?" That's what David Sedaris wrote in my copy of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk when I asked him to write the first line of my dissertation. It's a self-centered probe, to be sure. But although Sedaris is often compared to Mark Twain and James Thurber, two of America's most lauded literary funny men, he has yet to be inducted into the same hall of greatness that they occupy. This analysis attempts to probe the similarities between all three of them in an effort to build a case for Sedaris's place in the pantheon of our culture's funny men of letters.
