Brennan) who prides himself on the fact that he got the marriage ceremony time "down from five minutes to three minutes." Surely Didion does not detail Mr. Brennan's self-proclaimed accomplishment because a fast, impersonal ceremony is a desirable thing. Clearly, she is criticizing this debasement of the "sacred" institution of marriage. .
In addition, these stories sharply contrast in their purpose, or desired audience reaction. "Marrying Absurd" is clearly written to arouse contempt, or at least disapproval for its subject, the Las Vegas marriage. "The Night The Bed Fell," however, was written simply to evoke amusement. For example, the absurdity of Thurber's opening line in "The Night the Bed Fell" is an excellent illustration of his comedic purpose: "I suppose the high-water mark of my youth in Columbus, Ohio, was the night the bed fell on my father." Surely, nothing can be seriously concluded from a bed falling on Thurber's father. From the very beginning of his comic sketch, Thurber asserts his purpose. Didion, on the other hand, undoubtedly communicates her disapproval of the Las Vegas assumption that, "marriage like craps, is a game to be played when the table seems hot." In her vehement condemnation, Didion conveys the purpose of her social commentary and her expectation that her audience to agree with her opposition. After all, how can readers not be moved or disturbed by a sobbing, under aged, pregnant bride. .
Both "Marrying Absurd" and "The Night the Bed Fell" intend to evoke an emotional response. However, the desired emotional responses for each piece are different. The author's distinct writing methods or techniques are responsible for readers" different emotional responses to each story. "The Night the Bed Fell" has a distinctly lighthearted feeling partly as a result of Thurber's description, or the style of the descriptions. His writing possesses childlike simplicity and matter-of-factness, which serves to keep his comedy humorous.