Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris Analysis Essay

David Sedaris’ narrative essay “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” showcases a humorous story about the author’s experience as a forty-one-year-old student attending a French class in the heart of Paris. David Sedaris talks about the importance of focusing on one’s journey, while briefly exploring other students’ experiences. Furthermore, he explains that all his meticulous work is recompensed. Continuing that, he shows that with the proper push and willpower, it’s possible to understand and learn to speak a new language. The article’s main claim of rewarding those who persevere is well supported because David Sedaris (1999) shows his difficulty connecting with Parisians, his intimidation that’s caused by his classmates as well as his teacher, and given that, he still devotes hours to learning French. Sedaris feels dissimilar among the students at Alliance Francaise, he finds it intimidating that the students, while younger than him, have more confidence in their knowledge. “Regardless of their nationalities, everyone spoke what sounded to me like excellent French. Some accents were better than others, but the students exhibited an ease and confidence I found intimidating.” (Sedaris, 1999, p. 86) Sedaris adds this to show how nerve-racking going into a new class is, he catches his audience here and tries to seem relatable. His target audience of language students may know how uncomfortable the first day of class is and adding this helps hook his readers. Relating to his claim, he finds importance in taking a new skill at your own pace and not rushing perfection. As a result, Sedaris explains how he finds it difficult to fathom excelling in his French class due to his limited knowledge of the language. Due to Sedaris’ limited knowledge of French and his sudden move to Paris, France, Sedaris finds himself struggling, not only in class but with the general public. “Learning French is a lot like joining a gang in that it involves a long and intensive period of hazing. And it wasn’t just my teacher; the entire population seemed to be in on it.” (Sedaris, 1999, p. 86) Sedaris adds this simile to compare the Parisians to a gang, he does this to show how humiliating he feels learning French. Continuing this, it is further conveyed that Sedaris isn’t alone in his journey. “Sometimes me cry alone at night” one student confesses, another student states, “That is common for me also, but be more strong, you. Much work, and someday you talk pretty. People stop hate you soon. Maybe tomorrow, okay?” (Sedaris, 1999, p. 86) Sedaris uses these students’ dialogue to further prove that persistence and diligence will pay off. “Maybe tomorrow” (Sedaris, 1999) is the motivation for Sedaris to keep at his careful work, maybe he will wake up and speak French. Furthermore, relating to the audience and their pursuit to learn a new language, pulling together his claim of rewarding perseverance. These points relate to his claim because they talk about the importance of staying strong and not letting the encounters cloud the final goal of learning the language. A final example of Sedaris’ persistence occurs when he realizes he understands everything the teacher speaks to him. “I’d spend four hours a night on my homework, working even longer whenever we were assigned an essay.” (Sedaris, 1999, p. 86) This statement refers to how compelled he was to grow as a student, hyperbole or not, this shows how dedicated he was to doing well in this class. The teacher states, “Every day spent with you is like having a cesarean section.” (p.86) To which Sedaris realized, “for the first time since arriving in France, I could understand every word that someone was saying.” (p. 86) The hyperbole the states shows the extreme disdain she has for the author.¬ However, Sedaris proves that the amount of time he spent working for his class finally paid off, showing that with heavy persistence and concentration, it’s possible to achieve the seemingly impossible. Sedaris continues this sentiment by adding that “the world opened up,” (Sedaris, p. 86) showing he was joyous over his newfound understanding of the French language. In conclusion, utilizing humor, differing perspectives, and showcasing personal difficulties in France, Sedaris aims to prove that no matter the situation, persistence will reward anyone who follows. Primarily, Sedaris urges his audience to not give up under any circumstances to achieve a larger goal. To achieve this, he is seen using similes, hyperboles, and humor to further prove his point. I agree with the author and his ideology about never giving up. The lesson that can be taken away from Sedaris’ essay is that even if I fail, I should never take that as the final say, if I’m diligent, I might surprise myself with how far I’ve come. Going forward, I could apply what I learned from analyzing this text to other assignments, look more into the details and ensure the work is communicated.