A History of Geek Civilization

Jessica Zafra

Group 3

Commentary/Critique

"A History of Geek Civilization" by Jessica Zafra is a memoir that explores the origins of the author's self-
described geekiness and the path it leads her on. Zafra's narrative is a tribute to the transformational
power of literature and the sense of belonging that comes from finding one's tribe. It begins with an
early childhood spent devouring literature and comic books and ends with negotiating the challenges of
high school and finding kindred spirits. She challenges preconceptions and social standards while
celebrating the joy of intellectual pursuits and the companionship of fellow geeks through humour and
reflection.

The essay takes a subjective perspective, using expressive language to describe the character's experien
ces.The author decided to narrate in the first person and used the pronoun "I" to do so in order to prope
rly describe the story.The tone is reflective and
humorous;the character tells her narrative in a lighthearted manner while thinking back on being a geek.
The voice is personal and conversational; the author speaks directly to the audience. The style pertains
to someone having a conversation with another person, freely narrating his
past.The essay follows a flashback pattern as the character elaborates on the geek notion and relates he
r experiences to the books she has read and her journey. The author used the illustrations or examples
as a rhetorical technique. The way books were given, the character itself illustrates what it is all about
and his realizations.

In Jessica Zafra's essay, her vivid descriptions and use of imagery resonate with us on a personal level.
When she describes her childhood spent immersed in books and comics, We can't help but recall our
own youthful fascination with literature and storytelling. Zafra's portrayal of feeling like an outsider in
school and seeking solace in the pages of books mirrors our own experiences of finding refuge in the
world of imagination and creativity. Additionally, her reflections on the challenges of adolescence, the
struggle for self-acceptance, and the eventual embrace of her identity as a geek it gives us memories of
our own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The essay serves as a reminder of the power of
literature to shape our identities and provide a sense of belonging, making us reflect on our own
relationship with books and how they've influenced our life.

The essay uses literary devices to capture the readers attention. Such as, Metaphor: The comparison of
the protagonist's childhood reading habits to being "substitute playmates" illustrates the importance of
books in their life; Personification: Describing the protagonist's tormentors as "genetic mutations"
personifies their cruelty and makes it more vivid; Alliteration: Phrases like "beauty is useless, character is
the best" use alliteration to emphasize certain ideas; Symbolism: The use of books and reading as
symbols of the protagonist's identity and belonging within the geek community; Hyperbole: Exaggerated
statements like "I merally forgot to eat, and lost--ask any member of the class of '82--ty pounds" and
"sea of traffic", which gives dept on the essay; and Allusion: References to literary works like "Little Red
Riding Hood," "The Little Mermaid," "Nancy Drew," and "Cyrano de Bergerac" serve as allusions,
enriching the narrative with cultural references and shared experiences. Jessica also used imagery to
appeal on the readers senses. Like for Visual: "sea of traffic" allows the reader to imagine being
surrounded by traffic and Kinesthetic: "klutz" gives a sense of the author's physical awkwardness. And
for audio: "which I read aloud" that helps the reader to imagine how the character read the story.

In Jessica Zafte's essay, she vividly describes moments from her geeky childhood with detail, making
scenes that stick with the reader. Like other essays, the author's stories create lasting memories that
shape her identity. By leaving some parts open-ended, Zafra's lets readers think about the deeper
meanings behind her experiences.The essay is a clear portrayal of geek culture and personal growth,
leaving a strong impression on readers.