The third reading chunk of Mary Roach's Stiff discusses the history of cremation and Roach's personal beliefs and experiences with burial. According to Roach, cremation was banned by many religious churches, mainly Catholicism, who believed that a proper religious burial instead of burning the human flesh in the case of the death was the most respectful way for a person to die. Roach also discusses how her mother did not bury her father, and recieve alot of spiteful remarks from the Catholic church for not doing so. Additionally, Roach discusses human cannabalism in the case of medical donation. Cadavers are subject to multiple fates and many of them are contreversial. While Roach exposes both sides of the story, she also expresses her personal fear of having her body shipped away after death with donation where her husband would be unsettled. Medical cannabalism with donated bodies is another reason why Roach was hesitant to donate her body even though she had talked to many medical professionals. In the past, cadavers buttocks have been a favorite to eat first for medical cannabalists.
Application: If you were heavily relgious and your spouse requested a burial that went against your religious beliefs would you comply or go with your own personal religious beliefs?
Style: Does Roach's gruesome imagery take away from the fact and deep intuitive purpose of her writing? Does it enhance it? Give a personal opinion.
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I would honor his wishes because I refuse to force my beliefs upon someone else because I would not want it done to me.
ReplyDeleteRoach's "gruesome" imagery enhances the purpose of her writing because it takes away the unnecessary hand holding and let you realize what is real.