Summary Of The Good Short Life

Why would someone who loves life, want to die? Majority of people would say that “life” to them is everything. Spending time with family and making memories is what life is all about. One thing that is unescapable is death. But thanks to the advances in medical technology, life can be lengthened to the point where we can choose when to die. Families pay hundreds of thousands of money because they want to keep their loved ones alive, but what do the ones being kept alive want? Being in the brink of death, changes your viewpoint on what life is. Although he respects those that wish to live as long as possible, Dudley Clendinen gives his viewpoint on why he chooses death instead of life. Shortly before Clendinen’s death, he wrote an article “The Good Short life”
Appealing to logos, Clendinen introduces his disease, ALS, with a brief history of how Lou Gehrig “accepted the verdict with such famous grace.” Although this piece of information might seem unnecessary, he chose to include it to show the readers his admiration towards Lou. Similar to himself, Lou Gehrig accepted his impending death with dignity. Clendinen honored Lou Gehrig even further by naming his illness after him. “I sometimes call it Lou, in his honor, and because the familiar feels less threatening.” “I choke a lot. I sound like a wheezy, lisping drunk” Clendinen clearly shows distaste for the disease and does not consider this life. Life to him is doing things he loves. “when I can’t tie my bow tie, tell a funny story, walk my dog, talk with Whitney, kiss someone special.” When ALS takes his ability to move, he will not be able to do these things. Recognizing that fact, he realizes that he is already dead. Put yourself in Clendinen’s shoes, think about all the things you love to do. Now imagine not being able to enjoy those things anymore. Depressing right? This is exactly how Clendinen feels as he is slowing losing the ability to