Once More to the Lake E.B. White

1.      White’s story was a strong narrative essay because he relayed the story of some of his life experiences that had so much effect on him while growing up as a child as well as an adult. For instance, his quote “We returned summer after summer……. I have since become a salt-water man”, corroborates that the events were so wonderful that they looked forward to it year after year. Another interesting thing about his story is how it is told in a first-person tone, which makes it appear sincere and personal.  Not only does this make his story appear genuine, it also makes it easier for readers to connect with it. The story is told in a memorable and reflective ways. White compared the present state of the Lake to the past and found out that not much had changed over the years – only the sound of outboard motors which was not the case when he used to visit with his father. When he could not resist the urge, he took his son to the same lake just as his father used to do.

2.      The element of the narration mode that work the most effectively in this story is the signal that White used to tell his personal experience and memory of his childhood. The elements of first-person narrative were effectively used by White in Once More to the Lake. He is the narrator as well as the main character in the story. He passed to the readers the feelings and thought he had as a result of his visits to the lake. He is the one whose action, judgement and opinion were expressed in the story. What the readers know about the Lake in Maine depends only on White’s point of view and experiences at the Lake.

3.      “I took along my son…. On the journey over to the lake I began to wonder… I wondered how time would have… I was sure that the tarred…. I guess I remembered…” In the second paragraph as well as other paragraphs, he repeated use of “I” strongly shows that the essay is a first-person narrative. “One afternoon while we were there at the lake a thunderstorm came up. It was like the revival of an old melodrama that I had seen long ago with childish awe”. Though other campers were there, only how White felt about the thunderstorm was described. The opinions of others were not sought.  Readers are only able to understand the context of the essay based on the extent it was describe it.

The Art of Eating Spaghetti

1.                  Baker’s choice of audience was mainly his high school teacher, Mr. Fleagle. His teacher was a significant influence in his life, especially in motivating him to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. At the beginning of the essay, Baker expressed his desire to write, but was discouraged by Mr. Fleagle style of teaching. Nevertheless, this discouragement became something positive as Mr. Fleagle later influenced him to write an excellent essay. His teacher was impressed with his performance on the essay, and Baker was ultimately pleased with his teacher.

2.                  “The notion of becoming a writer had flickered off and on in my head since the Belleville days, but it wasn’t until third year in high school that the possibility took hold”. This statement is the highlight and summary of the essay. It explains the foundation of his vision to become a writer, and also when that vision became manifest in his life.

3.                  Baker started the essay by introducing himself with a brief synopsis of his desire to write. He humbly shared his challenges, which explains that though he had the desire to become a writer, it was not an easy journey to proclaim that. It took him being enrolled in Mr. Fleagle’s class, before he could get the opportunity to actually experience a glimpse of his dream and aspiration. Based on these facts, I firmly infer that Baker’s overall purpose in this essay is to use his autobiography as a way to inform, and encourage his readers. His transparency and willingness to share his challenges prove that one does not become somebody in a day. Essentially, it takes determination, perseverance, and hard work for one to achieve his or her dreams and aspirations.

4.                  Baker’s tone aligns and affirms his purpose. He was more informal in his tone. His statement “the idea of prim Mr. Fleagle plucking his nipple from boneless gums was too much for the class” is rather informal than formal. It seemed more for an entertainment, than for educational or other formal purposes.