Mary Roach is a notable science writer and journalist. She has a weekly column in Readers Digest and has published seven books, all revolving around points of interest in the science field. Roach's most popular book, Stiff, details the endeavors of the human body after death. Roach writes this essay to a general audience, using basic vocabulary and more elementary explanations. She establishes credibility with anecdotes of her own research and citations from many knowledgeable people.
Roach's book essentially goes through and details the many possible uses for the human corpse after its inhabitant has died. Roach explains both the science behind the process the body undergoes during these procedures and elevates many misconceptions about them. Roach also gives anecdotes about these processes and how she has experienced them in her research. Roach continues to explain how these corpses can do good, and how their use can benefit society as a whole. Roaches over all goal throughout the essay is to sway her reader. She wants to both inform them of the power one corpse can have, as well as to persuade them to donate their corpse.
Roach's most important tool as a writer is her great sense of humor. She is attempting to convince, a mostly begrudging audience to give away their body, even if it is after they are dead. She has a compelling list of arguments against her, from overwhelming fears, to cultural mores, to deep-rooted religious beliefs. However she uses facts and moral appeals to attempt to convince her audience. All the while she is certain to maintain a humorous and light tone. This is important, discussing death is treading into dangerous waters. It is a taboo that is typically avoided at all costs. But roach employs her light tone and dry humor to break through this taboo and convince her audience of the importance of donating your corpse, in one way or the other.
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