Scavenger Essay

765 Words4 Pages
THE LIFE OF A SCAVENGER INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the essay "On Dumpster Diving," by Lars Eighner. Specifically, it will summarize the essay, observe the author's life, ethics, and give an opinion on them. The job of Dumpster diving would seem sleazy and disgusting to many, but Lars Eighner gives his scavenging dignity and purpose in his poignant essay about the life of a scavenger on the streets. THE LIFE OF A SCAVENGER Lars Eighner writes of his years as a Dumpster scavenger with humor and pathos. It is very clear he is an educated and lucid man from his writing, and at first, it is natural to feel sorry for him – he has no home, and nothing to call his own, except his dog, Lizbeth, who it is clear he loves very much. However, as his story progresses, it is quite clear he is not looking for pity. He is simply sharing the tips and tricks of his trade, as any other worker would do. He does not want the reader to feel sorry for him, he simply wants them to understand what it is he does, and why. He makes Dumpster diving seem somewhat exciting and mysterious, rather than sleazy and disgusting. He also makes it clear this is not what he would prefer to do, but since he has too, he will make the best of it. He even writes essays about his experience, which is certainly innovative and interesting. He is certainly making the best of a bad situation, and it seems because he has such a good attitude, that he will not be Dumpster diving forever. It is also clear from the essay Eighner has pride in what he does, and considers himself an expert at scavenging from Dumpsters. As he notes about food offered to a friend, "That question has always made me angry. Of course I would not offer my companion anything I had doubts about" (Eighner 505). He has learned how to spot edible food from
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