Vanessa Kuhlor

AP English
August 19th 2014
Ms. Robinson

STIFF The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

In the book Stiff, author Mary Roach explores the many uses of human cadavers
throughout history--from ancient Egypt to the modern anatomy lab. Inevitably scientific,
Roach does an excellent job of simplifying the technicalities for readers who are
unfamiliar with the science. Roach approaches a difficult subject with the respect it
deserves while managing not to take herself too seriously. Roach succeeds in making the
distasteful into something fascinating. Incidentally, she has also prompted the reader to
rethink the requested disposal of her own earthly remains. The information contained was
intriguing, and interesting. Roach has a casual writing style that draws the reader in
without sacrificing the importance of the stories she is telling, which are simultaneously
amusing and, well, creepy. More than just science, this book explores the various
experiences that await a body after death -- whether they be buried, cremated, willed to
science. Roach remains reverent and respectful when talking about the "main characters"
of her stories, being objective and matter-of-fact when appropriate.
Roach seems intent on helping us (and herself) get a better handle on the
meaning of death, or at least, on making ones own death meaningful. Roach does a
tremendous job at this, by using various literary devices to build and support her theme

throughout the book. Right off the bat in the first chapter, Roachs blend of dialogue,
imagery, and analogies, provides a sense of comfort for the reader, something they can
relate to. Her humorous tone distracts the reader from grotesque topics, they witness right
at the start of the book.
Chapter 2 of Stiff discusses the history of the use of cadavers for gross anatomy
education, to explain why they are now accorded with such a high level of respect. Dates,
are vital in this chapter, creating a timeline of sorts, readers are able to appreciate the
achievements that have been made with the handling of cadavers over such small
amounts of time. Varying from the coping mechanism Roach uses in chapter 3. Chapter 3
Roach includes the character (a helper) Ron, as she takes us through the nauseating
journey of human decay at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Ron who began
the trip in a chipper mood, happily pointing out landmarks and singing along with the
radio, has the look of a condemned man. Are you coming in, Ron, or are you going to
hide in the car again? Ron steps out and glumly follows. The additional details of Rons
character becoming grossed out, and uneasy, assure the reader that it is okay if they
become unsettled when they are reading along. With this chapter including such precise
and detailed imagery, that not everyone may be able to stomach, Roach reminded readers
that they are not alone! Even Ron who saw accident victims routinely in his former post
as a newspaper reporter was a bit shaken up as well!
Taking a turn, and appealing to readers ethos and pathos in Chapter 4, Roach
explains the benefits and contributions that have been made due to cadaver research. For
the readers to understand why research is more beneficial with human cadavers, than
without allowed for them to understand the necessity and important role the play in the

science field. Taking readers on the step-by-step journey of a study involving human
cadavers allows them to foster a high regard of respect and appreciation for the benefits
and information as a result of the study. Extending the same writing approach to the next
Chapter, 5, explains what the deceased body can tell you. Understanding how the body,
helps pinpoint death, and help when determining vital information is crucial to the reader
at this point in the book.
At this point Mary Roach has created a reliable pattern when it comes to
her use of literary device very detailed imagery, described by a humorous tone, later
followed by statistical information presented in the form of a case or story. Roachs blend
of literary devices makes for a powerful and meaningful message in a way that does not
offend or gross out readers.
The second half of the book Chapter 6 and 7 takes a turn that readers are not so
used to. Chapter 6 makes the reader question what is ethical testing. How do we
determine if the humanitarian benefits of the research outweigh any potential breech of
dignity? This is where the story of STIFF, becomes personal when the readers are starting
to think about their own personal beliefs. Following the same style, in Chapter 7, which
continues to talk about the unethical use of cadavers for religious purposes.
The duration of the book continues in this writing style, allowing readers to
reflect and question some very important topics brought up in the book. Overall Roachs
use of literary devices allowed her to develop and strongly support her theme throughout
the book.