Question

Sedaris describes what for most of us would be a very unusual class—that is, a class in a foreign country with students from all over the world. yet, for this essay to be funny, it must resonate with us to some extent. what aspect of the experience of being a student does sedaris count on as common ground between himself and his readers?

Answer 1

The essay “Jesus Shaves” by David Sedaris is part of his book Me Talk Pretty One Day and it tells the story of a French class he was in while studying abroad in Paris. The class is trying to explain to a Moroccan student what Easter is, but their lack of language skills make for a comical attempt.  

Part of the reason why the essay resonates with so many people is because of his description of experiences that are common to all students.

First, the fact that the Moroccan student asks a basic, obvious question that is very pertinent to the topic, yet no one really knows how to explain it despite its simplicity.  

Also, the way Sedaris defends American traditions when questioned by his teacher exemplifies the experience any student has when challenged by a professor.

Most importantly, the difficulty and frustration any language learner experiences when they are trying to explain themselves, yet they lack the words to do so as precisely as they would like.