Retake of Assignment 4: On Dumpster Diving

Eighner refers to Dumpster diving with several terms. Which term does he explicitly reject for his own practice?

• Foraging
• Scavenging
• Dumpster diving
• Scrounging

How does Eighner justify his use of the term "scavenging" for his actions?

• It aligns with his view of living off others' refuse.
• It reflects an honorable niche in society.
• It sounds more polite than "Dumpster diving."
• It's a term commonly used by others.

Eighner describes several practical lessons he learned from Dumpster diving. Which of these is NOT explicitly mentioned in the text?

• The importance of checking the academic calendar.
• The need for specialized equipment to dive.
• Knowing the safety of different types of food found.
• Understanding why items were discarded.

How does Eighner's attention to the process of Dumpster diving serve a larger argument about society, according to the essay? Explain.

Eighner discusses the progression of a novice scavenger. Which stage does he describe as one where a scavenger might never recover from?

• Disgust and self-loathing
• Acquiring everything touched.
• Littering and disrupting Dumpsters.
• Overcoming the stigma of eating from garbage.

In what ways does Eighner use his experiences with Dumpster diving to comment on the broader themes of materialism and waste in society? Explain.

According to Eighner, what is one of the key lessons he has learned from his scavenging lifestyle?

• Material things are transient.
• Scavenging is the best way to live.
• All discarded items have value.
• One should never trust food from a Dumpster.

How does Eighner's choice of language and tone when discussing his life as a scavenger reflect his attitude towards his circumstances? Explain.

Eighner mentions specific types of food that can be safely eaten from Dumpsters. Which of the following does he NOT recommend as generally safe?

• Canned goods with a slight vacuum.
• Dry foods like crackers and pasta.
• Ethnic foods not familiar to him.
• Chocolate that has discolored.

How does Eighner's detailed analysis of the scavengers' stages reflect on human adaptability and the social stigma associated with poverty? Discuss.