Adrian Ghilardi
Mr. Dwyer
AP English
29 August 2017
Zeitoun Summer Reading Essay Writer David Eggers, in his nonfiction work Zeitoun, retells the experience of one family before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. Eggers’ purpose is to accurately retell the story of the Zeitoun family, as well as offer insight and bring up discussions on the American political climate post-9/11. The tone of the two primary speakers, Abdulrahman Zeitoun and his wife Kathy, fluctuate between concise and unflinching calm to unhinged worry and anxiety throughout the book. These tones vividly and accurately lay bare the tragedy of Katrina to the general reading public. Abdulrahman Zeitoun, referred to throughout the book by only his last name, had a choice …show more content…
The conditions and circumstances he saw people locked in left their mark on his conscience. When he saved an elderly disabled woman from a flooded home, he recounted: “The situation had stolen her dignity, and it pained him to bear witness.” (Eggers 103). This is just one of several situations that Zeitoun experiences in the story, each of which leaves their own bruise on his mentality. What’s more is that he wasn’t the one who suffered the most from this experience; that title goes to his family. His wife Kathy, as well as his kids and several other family members worried constantly about him and the devolving state of the city. Through the course of the book, Kathy’s mental state enters a terrifying spiral. Towards the middle of the book, Kathy details what an evening in refuge with her family sans-Zeitoun: “Kathy was certain Zeitoun was unaware of the level of danger being reported. He may have felt safe where he was in Uptown, but what if there really was chaos, and that chaos was simply making its way to him? She was reluctant to believe the hyperbolic and racially charged news coverage, but still, things were devolving. Most of those left in the city where trying desperately to get out. She couldn’t stand it. She called the house on Claiborne again. No answer.” (Eggers 109). Kathy was since confirmed to have PTSD. (Eggers
Mr. Dwyer
AP English
29 August 2017
Zeitoun Summer Reading Essay Writer David Eggers, in his nonfiction work Zeitoun, retells the experience of one family before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. Eggers’ purpose is to accurately retell the story of the Zeitoun family, as well as offer insight and bring up discussions on the American political climate post-9/11. The tone of the two primary speakers, Abdulrahman Zeitoun and his wife Kathy, fluctuate between concise and unflinching calm to unhinged worry and anxiety throughout the book. These tones vividly and accurately lay bare the tragedy of Katrina to the general reading public. Abdulrahman Zeitoun, referred to throughout the book by only his last name, had a choice …show more content…
The conditions and circumstances he saw people locked in left their mark on his conscience. When he saved an elderly disabled woman from a flooded home, he recounted: “The situation had stolen her dignity, and it pained him to bear witness.” (Eggers 103). This is just one of several situations that Zeitoun experiences in the story, each of which leaves their own bruise on his mentality. What’s more is that he wasn’t the one who suffered the most from this experience; that title goes to his family. His wife Kathy, as well as his kids and several other family members worried constantly about him and the devolving state of the city. Through the course of the book, Kathy’s mental state enters a terrifying spiral. Towards the middle of the book, Kathy details what an evening in refuge with her family sans-Zeitoun: “Kathy was certain Zeitoun was unaware of the level of danger being reported. He may have felt safe where he was in Uptown, but what if there really was chaos, and that chaos was simply making its way to him? She was reluctant to believe the hyperbolic and racially charged news coverage, but still, things were devolving. Most of those left in the city where trying desperately to get out. She couldn’t stand it. She called the house on Claiborne again. No answer.” (Eggers 109). Kathy was since confirmed to have PTSD. (Eggers