Sedaris appeals to ethos throughout his essay with humor, honesty, and intellect. He shares the adventure of learning the French language in Paris with an offensive teacher. His first encounter with the teacher was unfavorable; he admits “I was determined to create some sort of identity for myself” (221). Her pessimistic perception of Sedaris became a source of determination for him to prove her wrong. An immense amount of effort …show more content…
He was determined to convince not only the teacher but himself that he could learn French successfully. He displays himself as an eager student regardless of the fact that he is surrounded by young adults. In the classroom, his teacher is the predator and he is the prey. His classmates are the prey. His classmates are polite. His classmates are equivalent in through the eyes of the predator. Through words, his teacher attacks the prey. Her countless attacks on the students include questioning, rude remarks, and unpleasant commentary. The teacher comments on every confusion and every mistake the students make. Sedaris is entirely open to study and understand the French linguistics regardless of the doubt and disrespect he receives from his