1. Brideau seeks to inform her audience of events that happened surrounding Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Her purpose for telling this particular story, which she describes as the one that 'stays with (her) most', was 'probably because it represents the essence of hope and determination in the face of terrible adversity', which she states in the final sentence of her piece. She wished to share a personal and inspiring experience with others.
2. The author narrates her story in the third person, allowing the reader the opportunity to clearly visualize the story in their head. Taking on an omniscient trait, Birdeau feels inclined to share Lydia's feelings with the reader as the story progresses. As she describes Lydia's actions and thoughts, the narrative takes on a film-like quality in the reader's mind.
3. Birdeau chooses to include many descriptor words in her piece. Involving more of the audiences senses will allow her to story to have more of a resounding affect on the reader. She makes sure to include details that will feel familiar to a wide range of audiences- 'the cackle of a television', 'uncomfortably cold from air conditioning', 'chemical odor', 'fluorescent lighting'; these are all things that she assumes many people have experienced. From the very beginning she essentially helps her audience place themselves at the scene.
4. The narrative is more formal than many you may happen across. Using many concise sentences and including step by step actions add a certain amount of formality; 'She positioned the stool in front of her linen closet, propping one foot on the stool and the other on the doorknob; then she climbed to the top shelf of her linen closet'. Birdeau portrays Lydia as a very level headed woman, someone that the audience of a research and policy magazine may feel more inclined towards. The author uses words like 'strength and resolve' to describe her main character. Finally, Birdeau describes medical procedure that, to an audience of people who do not practice a medical profession, could be boring or confusing.
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