On Dumpster Diving Response Essay

Response Essay Clever Title The essay “On Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner charmingly and eloquently describes a period in the author`s life when he is homeless. While Eighner illustrates the strategies of dumpster diving, he also conveys that there are codes of ethics and social rules, even in the lowest social classes. The author briefly mentions other scavengers and companions, but it is evident they have consideration for others. Eighner explains, “But it is common practice to set aside surplus items…”(261) and “A true scavenger hates to see good stuff go to waste, and what he cannot use he leaves in good condition in plain sight” (261). The author portrays that he has regard for people outside of the scavenging class. Eighner exemplifies his own consciousness of others when he writes “I have never placed a bogus order to increase the supply of pizzas…” as he refers to scavenging a dumpster owned by a pizza restaurant (Eighner 256). In conclusion, the ethics and social rules of both an individual and a group of scavengers are made apparent by the author, if only mentioned in a handful of sentences. Works Cited Eighner, Lars. "On Dumpster Diving." Power of Language/Language of Power. Second ed. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2011. 317-24. Print. Custom Edision for Ozarks Technical Community College.