9716
On Being a Cripple Analysis
On Being a Cripple Analysis
In “On Being a Cripple,” Author Nancy Mairs discusses the diction choices of referring to those with disabilities. Through juxtaposition, Mairs discusses the truth of diction towards the impaired, and demonstrates acceptance to her nature.
Mairs tackles the tough truth: that many take for granted the ability to perform simple daily tasks other struggle with. In the paragraph (and the entire essay), Mairs utilizes the pronoun “I” to personalize the subject matter, increasing the impact on the reader. As she
“Shov[es] the shirt” and “Tug[s] the jeans,” as well as performs other mundane tasks, Mairs encapsulates the struggle faced by the debilitated. Mairs shows an acceptance …show more content…
Mairs demonstrates a handle on the truth by conveying a feeling of empowerment at odds with her impairment. The anaphora of “I choose” and “Made the choice” demonstrates, along with empowered diction, Mair’s acceptance of her role, and her control over how she uses these revelations. Mairs further demonstrates acceptance by juxtaposing her chosen word
“Cripple,” with more societal accepted standards such as “Handicapped” and “Disabled.” In fact, to push the envelope, she reveals a slight desire of “Want[ing] them to wince,” almost as if she wants people to see her in a true, revealing light.
The essay’s diction evolves from a sense of empowerment to decisive, a mark that Mairs utilizes her power. Amidst other possible words for her condition, Mairs sticks with “Cripple,” hailing it as both “Straightforward and precise,” as well as having an “Honorable” history.
Following that, she juxtaposes the definitions of other labels alongside, such as “Handicapped” or “Disabled,” and presents her adversity to each. Shifting to a tone that suggests disgust or perturbance, Mairs compares the semantics of other labels to other emerging