I think Susan Orlean composed this article to inform her readers on the art of taxidermy and how serious it is to some people. The topic of her article is taxidermy, but I believe that her purpose is to take something that people look at in disgust without getting to know it and changing their view point.
It seems as if Susan Orlean wants her readers to learn about taxidermy and see how serious some people take it so that we will take it serious. I think she does this by giving the history of taxidermy and quoting people's conversations about where and how to get certain taxidermy items.
This article showed me that taxidermy isn't as bad as I thought it was. It actually serves a purpose. I think Susan Orlean wanted us to feel this way. Make us think this is a weird hobby, but change our minds..
If her purpose is to inform people, then you need to consider why she feels like it is her job to do so. What is at stake for her? Why does this matter?
ReplyDeleteI like that you admit she sort of changed your view on taxidermy, even if just a little. What I would like to see is examples from the text, specific moments, where your opinion changed.