Questions on Eighner

1. Eighner is careful to offer definitions of the key terms he uses. List those key terms and their definitions. Dumpster is a proprietary word belonging to the Dempster Dumpster Company. He prefers the word “scavenger” over the word “dumpster diver”. He also uses words such as “foraging” instead of “digging through trash.”  

2. Summarize the practical stages a Dumpster diver goes through. What does Eighner’s analysis tell us about the larger experience of having to scavenge for food? A dumpster diver will feel ashamed at first and usually will “dive” at night. They are not as aware of the bacteria and what foods will be better for them. Eventually, the longer you have dumpster dived, the more you figure out certain locations of certain dumpsters. You know what ones have the best food, which ones have useful items such as clothing, electronics, and change.  He also explains what to get from dumpsters during certain months.

3. What does his writing style tell you about his views on his way of life? Explain with examples.

His writing shows that he is very educated. His uses big words like, “dutifully” or “maliciously”. He seems real humble, and yet real careful of what he is taking out of dumpsters. He knows what types of bacteria he can get from eating certain foods. He takes only the necessities. Once on his feet again, he is very aware of what he is throwing away.

4. How does reading Eighner make you feel about your own material values? How do you relate to Dumpster diving and to what he calls the “grab for the gaudy bauble” (par. 79)? It made me realize we waste a lot of food in this country, and we discard a lot of items that can still be useful. We take things for granite. And society will automatically look down on homelessness, or always look away.