Guy Walks into a Bar Car

David Sedaris's regret is intensified after an encounter on a long train ride.

Source: Luebben, Craig. Andres Marin Escalando. Digital image. 2011 Ice World Cup in Russia. N.p., 25 Mar. 2011. Web. 22 Aug. 2013.

Only David Sedaris can effectively compare instant oatmeal to love; similes like these help him to drive his point home. Also, he writes satirically, in which his ridicule is generally directed at himself. His use of satire proves to the reader how he's a bit foolish, which supports his purpose in writing Guy Walks into a Bar Car: to convince the reader not to make his fear-filled mistake. Sedaris, a young homosexual, writes about a 19-hour train ride in which he meets an alcoholic named Johnny on his way to visit his boyfriend of six years. The ride actually results in their break-up. Regardless, Johnny and Sedaris bond over alcohol and drugs. After they part, Sedaris reflects (with regret) on his previous pseudo-relationship with a Lebanese man he met while traveling in Europe. His purpose in writing this essay was to help others avoid what he believes was a mistake. He traveled, met someone he felt an instant connection with, and when offered a new life with this someone, turned it down. Even years later, he still feels regret. His purpose is to persuade readers to accept what he declined. Although this essay describes a homosexual romance, it's more broadly about regret. David Sedaris discusses how he feels about travel, and the idea that opportunities for relationships are valuable. This essay was written for people who are shy and might have difficulty accepting unique offers due to fear. A humorist, radio contributor, and author, Sedaris was nominated to win a Grammy Award. Five of his essays, from 1997-2008, became New York Times Best Sellers, and not without reason. David Sedaris achieved his purpose brilliantly. His essay is hilarious, heartfelt, and purposeful. Usually,  mistakes are made before lessons are learned. Sedaris uses comedy and regret to eliminate the need for mistakes, since he believes there aren't enough chances to waste one with a mistake. His final message: be open to possibilities.