Assignment2: Humorous Narrative Essay

Gary Trudeau ("My Inner Shrimp") and David Sedaris ("Plague of Tics") both use humor to depict how they have outgrown (or not outgrown) an issue from their respective childhoods. From my point of view, the former one, “My Inner Shrimp” accomplishes this goal better. Firstly, My Inner Shrimp is much more authentic when compared with the "Plague of Tics". It describes a psychological activity during the growing of a boy. I can understand that teenagers are always concentrating on their appearance and feeling upset about their shortcomings. Not only can we achieve happiness about the story, but also we can gain enlightenment from it, just like the fable story. Besides, the story can also remind us of some interesting things during our growing time. However, I am confusing that how a boy can behave so funny like that in "Plague of Tics". It seems to be made up just intending to please the readers. Secondly, I was indeed attracted by the details in "My Inner Shrimp", not only the dialogue but also the psychological activity. I cannot control myself to stop laughing. I think it is the most successful part of the story. And as for me, things which make you laugh in humorous narrative essay depend on details, rather than describe odd behaviors like "Plague of Tics". Although it has an ending contrary to expectation .
For instance, two examples below can prove my opinion. First, on page two, from the mark 5 to the mark 8, the dialogue is a teasing by a girl. Her naïveness is quite funny, especially after reading the later part. Secondly, it is the behavior that the boy incorporated into his daily routine that makes laugh for a long time. He cared his shortness a lot! He is so funny that he is just like a clown. From the story, I know that it is not mature to pay too much attention on your appearance.