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Amanda Nesseth

March 4, 2013

Uniquely Unoriginal

Must all pieces be original? Is it cliché to contain an underlying message that has been

used many times before? “Life Story” by Brian Shields contains a message that has been used

numerous times, but he conveys the message in a unique way. Although some may argue that

“Life Story” is not original due to its classic message, the author’s stylistic choice of using only

 popular euphemisms helps express the age old message in a new way.

In this essay Shields renders a message of reflection and judgment on human values and

outlooks throughout a typical life. Shields portrays his message by creating this essay using only

well known euphemisms — many easily found on a car bumper. His use of only well known

euphemisms consequently causes the reader to reflect on popular values. “Life Story” is a

narrative takes the audience through a typical life. While in the young adult stage of said life,

Shields writes, “Party on board… I brake for bong water…Sex is only dirty when you do it

right” (Shields 339). The reader can plainly see that the values of young adults are well

represented by a well-known acronym, YOLO — you only live once. As we further progress

through this life the values change to more materialistic and egotistical, “Born to shop… The

more people I meet, the more I like my cat.” (Shields 340). At the end of the narrative the tone

shifts toward being impartial and relaxation, “I’d rather be sailing… Why be normal?” (Shields

341).

Shield’s stylistic choices are what make “Life Story” original. At one points Shields

writes, “Baby on board” (340). Using such wide-spread euphemisms like this one Shields is able

 

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to evoke judgment on human values from the reader. This is because the reader understands that

these are popular euphemisms representing common ideals. By stringing these euphemisms

along Shields opens the reader’s eyes to the materialistic, selfish views of the average person.

Had Shields not used common euphemisms I do not believe it would have had as much of an

impact. The reality would not be there for the reader. The readers would have just nodded their

head in agreement but not really thought anything of it. With it being written in the fashion that it

was, the reader is forced to acknowledge these misshapen values, and subsequently make

 judgments based upon them.

Some argue that because of using only euphemisms “Life Story” is very cliché and would

have taken little intelligence to write. However the order, and what euphemisms Shields uses

creates an underlying message critiquing values that have become too common. Had he not used

 popular euphemisms the piece would not have the same effect. Had he put them in a nonsensical

order, it would have had little to no effect. However the way he did use popular euphemisms in a

rational order cleverly creates a unique spin on an old message.

David Shields’s “Life Story” is original due to its stylistic choices. It may be cliché to use

euphemisms, yet they do prove his point. His message may not be original, but his delivery is

one of a kind. Altogether “Life Story” is a uniquely unoriginal piece.