In his personal narrative, Sedaris uses humor, dialogue, diction, and figurative language such as hyperbole and colloquialisms to express the themes of Communication and Self-Expression, Feeling Like an Outsider, and Concealing One’s True Identity to Conform. In addition, he addresses his reaction to the school’s attempts to force him to change. Through this anecdote, Sedaris provides much insight on what it was like to be gay in the 1960s South. He has always felt like an outsider and learned early how to pass as a typical heterosexual male. Instead of focusing on a particular viewpoint about sexual orientation, Sedaris presents an honest glimpse into the complications of his life as a boy who felt an urgent need to hide his sexuality. Through metaphor and symbolism, he focuses on the themes of change and differences.

From the outset of the essay, Sedaris humorously sets himself apart from everyone, using the spy thriller trope to portray himself as a criminal taken away for interrogation.