In David Sedaris' book "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," the narrator reflects on the transformation of his brother as he prepares for marriage. He grapples with the idea that his perception of his brother is influenced not by his physical weight but by the suit he wears, symbolizing maturity. This moment encapsulates the narrator's struggle to reconcile his brother's new role in life with his lingering childhood impressions.
The brother's reaction to their father’s coffee illustrates a humorous yet poignant moment, emphasizing the absurdity of adult experiences. The quote about making love in a canoe cleverly draws a parallel between discomfort and their father's coffee, further blurring the lines between their childhood memories and their present realities. Ultimately, this leads the narrator to question whether the change he sees is truly about the suit or if it is, in fact, about his brother's weight.