The last section of Mary Roach's Stiff sheds light on a new idea about cadavers. Roach uses rhetorical questions, logical as well as emotional appeal, quotes, facts and expert opinions to address her audience with a new way of viewing cadavers. Roach explains the process of mummification, cremation as well as "water reduction". Throughout this chunk she uses lots of sources to elucidate the credibility of her knowledge. She goes further, and talks of cannibalism that may be considered rituals for other cultures, and may be viewed as inhumane in other customs. Roach also informs her audience about the other secretions used from cadavers, such as: saliva, urine, and the placenta to treat diseases and other physical hardships. She continues to explore human cadavers and its uses until she begins to wonder what will happen to her body, and after decomposition, what would be considered "environmental-friendly".
Clarification:
What did Roach mean when she said "water reduction" was like boiling dead bodies in acid?
Application:
How do you feel about cannibalism? After reading this book, if you were to go to a Chinese ritual that consists of the consumption of a sacrificed body, would you participate?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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