English 4
Period 2
31 October 2013
PRECIS FOR “Roger Ebert: The Essential Man” In the biographical interview, Roger Ebert: The Essential Man, Chris Jones who writes for Esquire Magazine, asserts that although Roger Ebert has went through a lot in his life it is good to focus on the positive that comes out of every situation no matter how much emotional or physical trauma it may have on you as well as stating that life should never be underappreciated and we should always be content because we may never know when our time comes. He supports this claim by first explaining and analyzing Ebert’s medical situation from hospital visits to final diagnosis and the side effects that have come with the jaw cancer. Then, he goes on to explain how Ebert has to come to value life in a different way than most people due to his unique situation and how his wife has learned to sort of “deal” with the state at hand. Toward the end of the text he agreeably summarizes Ebert’s current life by showing us examples of how Ebert lived his life from a day to day basis including the things that are secondhand to us but difficult for him. Jones’ purpose is to convey to us that we need to value life then we do now in order to show us that no matter how difficult or problematic some things may seem, we can overcome them and fight against them. He establishes a very reassuring tone for others who may be going through a tough time in their life and to their loved ones to better understand how to asses a serious situation.