Schroeder Jones is a graphic artist based in Regina, Saskatchewan. Born in 1984 in Seattle, Washington, he grew up in Michigan and Ohio and earned a degree in English with honors from Kent State University Tuscarawas in 2007. Jones taught English in Korea before moving to Canada in 2012. He is currently working on a graphic novel.
Jones drew “Dr. Carmella’s Guide to Understanding the Introverted” in 2011 and uploaded it to the online art community DeviantART in March 2012. Almost immediately, the Internet was buzzing with appreciation for the artist’s deft explanation of introversion. For people drained by human interaction, the cartoon offers validation of what they probably already know about themselves. For people energized by the company of others, it may just be a revelation.
Read “Dr. Carmella’s Guide to Understanding the Introverted,” and respond to the following questions.
In your own words, SUMMARIZE Jones’s definition of introvert.
Explain how Jones uses a concrete image to explain an abstract concept. What does this visual ANALOGY contribute to his definition?
Jones often uses a plural pronoun (they) with a singular antecedent (someone, the introvert), and vice versa. Do you notice any other instances of nonstandard grammar or punctuation? Do they add to or detract from the effectiveness of Jones’s cartoon, in your view? Why? (If necessary, see Chap. 2 for information on standard English and tips on punctuation.)
OTHER METHODS The second half of “Dr. Carmella’s Guide to Understanding the Introverted” uses PROCESS ANALYSIS. Why do you think Jones explains “how to interact with the introverted”? What does this focus reveal about his PURPOSE in creating the cartoon?
Based on Jones’s definition, do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Write an essay in which you develop your own explanation of either personality type as it applies to you or someone you know well. As Jones does, present specific IMAGES and EXAMPLES in addition to statements of your definition. You might, if you’re so inclined, create some artwork to help explain your ideas.
CONNECTIONS Robert Lipsyte, in “Jock Culture” (Chap. 9) also COMPARES two distinct types of people: in his case, “Jocks” and “Pukes.” Write an essay that examines any parallels you detect between extroverts and jocks, introverts and pukes. Which group(s) seem to have an advantage in contemporary society and why, according to both authors? How are the disadvantaged groups misunderstood or hobbled by cultural expectations? What solutions do Lipsyte and Jones seem to have in mind? What additional strategies might you suggest?