Analysis of Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the essay "Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain by Jessica Mitford. Specifically it will contain an analysis of the essay, including the writer's point and the major ways the writer illustrates that point. The author's point in this essay is quite clear from the start. She discusses the practice of embalming, the secrecy behind it, and describes in detail how the procedure works. After reading this essay, the reader has to wonder about the practice of embalming. If more people understood what goes on behind the "formaldehyde curtain," they might not accept embalming quite so readily.The author, who seems to be an expert on death and dying, creates a vivid portrayal of the funeral industry in this essay. It is clear her ultimate goal is to share many of the common practices of the funeral industry, and show how barbaric they are. Her point is that if more people understood these practices, North American funeral practices might change, and the mystery of what goes on behind the funeral parlor's doors would be out in the open for everyone to understand and acknowledge. She also makes the point that many of the practices, when discussed in the open, seem barbaric an
Why has no one questioned American funeral practices before? Perhaps most people would like to remain ignorant, and the truth is too difficult to contemplate. " The tradition of embalming, as described here, seems grotesque and ignorant, and yet, Americans do not question or speak out about the practice. She continues quoting a textbook author, "Speaking of fears entertained in early days of premature burial, he points out, 'One of the effects of embalming by chemical injection, however, has been to dispel fears of live burial. The practice of open-casket ceremonies is so common; it is interesting to read that the practice is not common everywhere, in fact, North America is about the only place it occurs. This shows how commercial the industry has become, and how it lacks any real kind of comfort or sincere caring for the bereaved. She ends her essay with this statement, "He has done everything in his power to make the funeral a real pleasure for everybody concerned. Consequently well over 90 per cent of all American funerals feature the open casket-a custom unknown in other parts of the world" (Mitford, 1978, p. Simple, dignified, beautiful, reverent! The modern way!'" (Mitford, 1978, p. One purpose of this unsettling essay is to educate the American public about the funeral industry, especially the practice of embalming, and she accomplishes her purpose well.
Common topics in this essay:
North American,
Earth Dispenser,
North America,
Restorative Art',
Mitford Specifically,
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funeral industry,
mitford 1978,
funeral practices,
formaldehyde curtain,
practice embalming,
loved ones,
american funeral practices,
people understood,
reading essay,
mitford 1978 7,
understood goes,
reader wonder,
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Acceptance Essays
