STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

When examining a piece of non-fiction writing, the reader should always be concerned with methodology. An author’s methodology is the way he or she constructs the argument. This includes the sources the author uses as well as the way he or she presents the argument--what evidence the writer includes and the order in which the evidence is presented. The main reason for evaluating methodology is to consider the author’s methodological assumptions and to decide for oneself if the argument is convincing.

Barbara Ehrenreich has decided to include three case studies, which she as undertaken herself, to prove that it would be virtually impossible for a single mother and her children to survive on a low-wage salary with no additional aid. She frames her experience with secondary literature, statistics, and newspaper articles. Therefore, Ehrenreich makes the assumption that her personal experience is a valid way of estimating what a low-wage lifestyle is like. She assumes that in framing her experience with other literature, she will bolster her argument.

Ehrenreich could have presented her evidence topically; for example, she could have discussed each of the single mothers she met along the way, each housing experience she had, each manager she met. However, she presents her evidence chronologically. She probably does this because it better develops her narrative style-- she recounts her journey as a story. Ehrenreich also could have presented herself as a scholar who was writing a book and conducted interviews. However, her story becomes more provocative if she goes undercover. She is also able to present a more vibrant narrative if she can populate the story with her own impressions, aches and pains, and difficulties.

KEY FACTS

Title: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

Author: Barbara Ehrenreich

Date Published: 2001

Genre: Non-Fiction

VOCABULARY WORDS

Svelte - slim, slender; graceful outline

Transgression - violation of a rule or law

Rebuke - to reprimand

Insurrection - revolt against authority or organized government

Loathsome - offensive, arousing disgust

Altruistic - selfless, concerned with the wellbeing of others

Interject - to insert between other elements

Infraction - a violation

Glossolalia - a meaningless speech

Regress - to move backward, literally or figuratively

Metronomic - unvarying, mechanical rhythm

Decorum - propriety, appropriate behavior

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