Once More to the Lake by E. B. White / 1941

The author of Once More to the Lake, E. B. White, was a famous author who worked as a writer and contributing editor for The New Yorker magazine. White went to college at Cornell University and later became the author of the infamous Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web. Later in 1978, he earned a Pulitzer Prize special citation. It is evident that World War II did not influence White in 1941, since his essay does not relate at all to conflict.

White’s purpose was to narrate the relationship between a father and a son. He argues that at some point in every father’s life, they come to the realization that he is no longer a child and has to face the reality of growing up. The narration is written in no particular order, given that it follows the flow of his thoughts. The essay begins by explaining White’s experience when he used to go to the lake as a child. He explains that he wanted to “revisit old haunts” (White 179), so he went for a week with his son. He continues with the essay by comparing how the lake was when he used to go with his father many years ago, and how the lake was when he went with his son. He uses the rhetorical device of repetition to explain that “there had been no years” (White 181). This use of repetition in this way achieved the author’s purpose since this makes it seem as if the father is reliving his past through his son. He explains this situation clearly. “Everywhere we went I had trouble making out which was I, the one walking at my side, the one walking in my pants” (White 184). White’s intended audience is everyone, since everyone can relate to the parent-child relationship that is illustrated. The narration comes to an end when White states, “…suddenly, my groin felt the chill of death” (White 185). He explains describes that at this point, he suddenly realizes that he is not the child anymore. White accomplished his goal by using repetition and a sudden ending.

Like Father Like Son

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/28/children-favourite