The words sound so simple coming from adults: Just be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. On the contrary, the advice can prove difficult for a child to follow. Author David Sedaris recognized his own differences and struggled in his younger years with fear of judgment from others, inspiring him years later to write “Go Carolina.” Sedaris’ short story presents a first-person perspective along with hyperbole and metaphor to give a glimpse into David’s inner thoughts and feelings and paint a more complete picture of his trials in hiding his identity from others, enabling readers to relate his tale to their own.

Sedaris implements an extended metaphor in his opener to emphasize how his difference led to feelings of isolation and shame.