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Summary Of Behind The Formaldehyde Curtain

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Whenever you see a dead person, in their casket, do you ever say “ that looks nothing like them” or “ is that really them?” This is because of the process that goes on in the funeral home. The funeral director does everything he can to prepare the corpse for the public. In Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain, Jessica Mitford explains everything that is done to the deceased. This essay is so in depth about what all is done that that is why it’s so effective in making you think twice about having this procedure done to yourself or loved ones. The main thing about this essay that really caught my attention and i think would catch yours as well is that being embalmed isn’t really necessary but nobody says not to do it. Actually it’s not even a question. …show more content…

Which is a long, hollow needle attached to a tube that is jabbed into the person’s abdomen, poked around getting all the contents of the chest out, and replaced with “cavity fluid.” The hole is then sewn up and the body is left alone for awhile but the cruelty is over yet. Another harsh thing that is soon done is how a drifting lip is fixed to look appropriate. The embalmer doesn’t want the deceased to have a stern, disapproving expression so he pushes one or two straight pins from the lower lip to the two front upper teeth. If that doesn’t work then he does what i feel is even more harsh which is to dislocate the lower jaw, drill holes through the upper and lower midline of the jaw, and run a wire through them. This is done often since the lips seem to not want to be together. If the corpse for some reason has a swollen mouth, neck, or cheeks. Some of the tissue is then cut from the inside of the lips or from incisions cut down each side of the neck. These incisions will more than likely not be seen because of how the body is positioned in the casket with the help of a pillow. Also liquid sealer is often used to prevent leakage from the incisions. All this is done to make the body look as close to “normal” as

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