“Shirt-Worthy”. I particularly liked this memoir because I felt like the writer chose an unexpected topic, an experience that didn’t seem that it would be of much importance. Then by the time the story was over, I could tell that this shirt had meant a lot to him and his son. The subject of the story would be the shirt, or how badly the son wanted the shirt, and I think the intended audience could be anyone interested in the Ramones band, or even anyone who can relate to a typical-turned-meaningful experience. This story is relevant to a lot of people because even though not everyone has children, likes the band the Ramones, or celebrates Christmas, there is something in the story that anyone can relate to. For example, I don’t have a clue who the Ramones band is, I’ve never been to a rock concert, and I don’t have a child to buy gifts for, but many times have I climbed a fence and not quite made it over which led to a tear in my clothing. This story is relevant to English 15 students because we are also writing our own memoirs, but it is relevant to the general public because there are so many different parts of the story that can relate to a broad array of people.
David Giffels, the author, does a good job of illustrating the meaning of something simple to him and his child. The point of the story is to not only show us his dedication to the Ramones band, but also show a transition into parenthood. He reminds us that once he had children he had to reconsider his beliefs, and says,” Then I had children, which involves reconsidering everything you once believed to be true”. By saying this, he also made me think about how our lives are constantly changing, and sometimes the beliefs we once had as younger people have to change to suit our needs as we get older. Giffels does this through touching the readers emotions, using pathos, and making us feel that this tee shirt was of the utmost importance. Right from the start the author explains what it takes to get a Ramones tee shirt, and that it must be “scented with personal experience”. By doing this, right off the bat the reader considers this tee shirt important. Also, he uses ethos by going out and getting another shirt just because it would make his son happy, or even getting the shirt in the first place. The logical thing to do would have been to sew it up, but he knew his child wouldn’t have been nearly as happy.
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