Living with Strangers is a nonfiction essay that discusses the many ways of behaving in different societies. Siri Hustvedt, the author of the short story, talks about the different rules and behaviors in the society of a simple countryside and the big city of New York. Additionally, she confesses her opinions and uses examples from her life to explain and support her opinions. Hustvedt begins the story by telling the reader about the place where she grew up, Minnesota. The basic rules in Minnesota are: It is important to always greet each other. even if you don't know each other – otherwise you're just being rude or snobbish. The reader is also informed that one of the worst things one can be in Minnesota is actually a snob1. Hustvedt moved to New York in 1978, where, from the start, she was amazed by the difference in social behavior. She refers to the typical way of behaving in New York as “PRAY IT WON’T HAPPEN”2. Greeting everyone in New York won't make you popular or socially accepted - it will make you a monster. Additionally, it is not possible to greet everyone you meet, as New York is full of people every minute of the day. Hustvedt describes a subway ride in New York as an experience of intimate contact with his "body pressed so tightly against him." them, I could smell their hair oils, their perfumes and their sweets. on New Yorkers. It's a way to deal with the strange behavior that some people occasionally exhibit in public places. The problem is simply ignoring the fact that it happened. Several examples in the middle of an article...... To convince the reader, Siri Hustvedt uses examples from her own life and additionally explains her feelings in certain situations. It is one of the three forms of appeal, the one called pathos. Pathos is used so that the reader can identify with what is being mediated. “Living with Strangers” is not a comparison between villages and big cities, but rather a discussion about ways to adapt to the society around you. So it is also very easy to discover that symbolism and fancy words are not used - the language is down to earth and simple. Although city life can be a bit “snobbish” and overwhelming in every way, it’s not. It doesn't seem like Siri Hustvedt regrets moving to a big city. The fact that you're allowed to behave in different ways and don't have to say hello to every stranger who passes by seems to please Siri Hustvedt..