literary analysis essay once more to the lake

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Analysis of E. B. White’s “Once More to the Lake”

E.B. White’s essay, Once More to the Lake , which was first published in 1941, describes his experience as he revisits a childhood lake in Maine. This revisiting is a journey in which White delights in memories associated with his childhood and the lake. In effect, his mindset transforms and goes back to his childhood. This transformation is necessary for him to find enjoyment in the journey. However, the transformation also emphasizes an altered perception of the actual lake. For instance, instead of viewing the lake as it is, he uses his childhood eyes to perceive the lake. This condition creates an interesting departure from reality into what he wants to see based on his childhood experiences. Once More to the Lake is a depiction of E. B. White’s experience as he visits a lake once again – the lake that he has been fond of since childhood.

E. B. White’s experience brings him to the lakefront, where he finds himself staring at the same lake, which is virtually unchanged. This means that White focuses on the unchanging things despite the surrounding changes and the changes that he experiences in his life. White wants to emphasize the permanence of some things, or at least the permanence of the memory of those things, despite the never-ending change that happens in the world.

Even though the lake itself has not changed, E. B. White’s essay indicates that there are some changes in things that are separate from the lake. For example, when White arrives at the lakefront, he wishes to enjoy the scene and the experience of being at the lake once again, but he becomes bothered by the noise of the new boats that are on the lake. The new boats have noisier engines.

E. B. White wants to show that technology can be disruptive. Technology can, indeed, make things become faster and more efficient, but it can also make things noisier, more disruptive, or undesirable. Thus, White emphasizes the negative side of new technologies. Nonetheless, as White continues his story, it is indicated that he has a liking for old engines. This liking started from his childhood. Even though he first views technology as something disruptive, the essay also touches on personal perception and preference. For instance, White does not like the new engines and the noise they make. However, this dislike could be due to his desire and expectation to see boats with the old engines that he saw in his childhood.

Some things may not change. All things change based on the underlying principle that nothing is constant in this world and that every little thing changes. However, there are some things that may not change, such as the thought of a person, the feelings that one has toward other people, and the longing for something. E.B. White shows that the lake is unchanged, but this may be only in his own perception. It is possible that the lake has already changed when he arrives as an adult at the lakefront, but his perception of the lake does not change. This perception and the associated emotions do not change, as he still likes what he sees and feels.

His experience of being at the lakefront brings him back to his childhood years when he was a boy experiencing the lake. Considering that White shows that his perception switches between that of an adult and that of a boy, it is arguable that his actual experience of the lake as an adult is marred by such switching between perceptions. It is possible that the actual lake that he revisits is already different, but his perception, as a boy, does not change, thereby making the lake only virtually unchanged. Also, the technology that he refers to, in the form of new and noisier engines, may have also been affected by such switching in his perceptions. It is possible that the new and noisier boats are not really that disruptive. It is just that he is used to the old and less noisy ones, thereby making his claims about the new boats personally subjective and not necessarily real.

E.B. White’s lake is a symbol of the role of physical spaces in personal development. For example, the essay shows that the lake serves as a setting for familial interactions, especially in the author’s past. Also, the lake serves as a venue for reflection. When White goes back to the lake, it facilitates his reflection of change and development. The lake helps him think back and develop a better understanding of his situation.

E.B. White’s essay, Once More to the Lake , supports the idea of the necessity of permanence in life. Even though the lake has changed over the years, it remains a lake that the author can visit. It stands as a reminder of his childhood experiences. In this regard, the lake sheds light on the benefit of having some form or degree of permanence in life. This permanence can help anchor the person and his psychological development.

• White, E. B. (1941). Once More to the Lake .
• White, E. B. (2016). Essays of E. B. White . Perennial.
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Once More to the Lake Summary & Analysis

Summary of once more to the lake by e.b. white.

“Once More to the Lake” is one of White’s most acclaimed essays by E.B. White. Published in 1941, it is a deeply personal and reflective piece that explores the theme of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The essay recounts White’s visit to a lake in Maine, where he had spent summers as a child, and the profound impact it has on him as he relives his memories while observing his own son experience the same setting. In the essay, White skillfully combines vivid descriptions and sensory imagery to transport the reader to the lake, evoking a sense of nostalgia and creating a richly detailed atmosphere. Through his observations, White contemplates the changes that time has wrought upon the lake and himself, ultimately coming to a realization about the universal truths of life and mortality.

E.B. White, born Elwyn Brooks White on July 11, 1899, was an American writer renowned for his contributions to both children’s literature and the realm of essays and literary nonfiction. He is best known for his beloved children’s books, including “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little.” However, White’s essays, particularly “Once More to the Lake,” showcase his remarkable talent for introspection and contemplation of the human experience.

Once More to the Lake | Summary

“Once More to the Lake” is an autobiographical essay written by E.B. White. The essay revolves around White’s visit to a lake in Maine, where he used to vacation as a child, with his own son. White reflects upon the passage of time and the changes that have occurred since his childhood.

As White revisits the lake, he finds himself experiencing a sense of déjà vu, as the surroundings and activities mirror those of his own youth. He vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the lake, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. White observes his son engaging in activities that he himself once enjoyed, blurring the lines between past and present.

Throughout the essay, White contemplates the notion of time and its impact on both the physical environment and human existence. He comes to the realization that although the lake itself remains relatively unchanged, he has grown older and is now confronted with his own mortality. This recognition of the universal cycle of life and the passage of time brings forth a profound and somber reflection on the nature of existence.

“Once More to the Lake” is celebrated for its introspective and contemplative tone, its vivid and detailed descriptions, and its exploration of themes such as the passage of time, the enduring qualities of nature, and the cyclical nature of life. It is regarded as a classic essay that captures the essence of personal introspection and the complexities of human experience.

Once More to the Lake | Analysis

“Once More to the Lake” is a deeply personal and autobiographical essay that emerges from a firsthand experience shared by many generations of Americans: the tradition of escaping to a mountain lake during the summertime. The specific lake mentioned in White’s essay is Great Pond, which is part of the Belgrade Lakes in the vicinity of Belgrade, Maine.

The essay’s personal and autobiographical nature is evidenced by its use of concrete and specific language. This language establishes the essay’s adherence to Huxley’s criteria for excellence, particularly in terms of presenting objective facts and focusing on tangible details. Ultimately, White’s contemplation of these specific details, both remembered and freshly observed, leads him to a profound realization that transcends the individual experience and embraces a universal truth.

White’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in his description of the cabins at the lake, which serves as the initial instance of his fixation on specific particulars. This focus contributes to his blending of the present experience with the past. He vividly recalls the early mornings when the lake was tranquil and cool, and the scent of the wooden bedroom and the damp forest wafted in through the screen. His childhood routine of waking early and venturing out onto the lake connects the present to the past, especially when he hears his son engaging in the same ritual. In his reminiscences, he would quietly dress to avoid disturbing others, embark on a canoe, and cautiously navigate along the shoreline in the elongated shadows cast by the pine trees. He would take great care not to disturb the tranquility of the surroundings by accidentally grazing the paddle against the gunwale, preserving the stillness akin to that of a cathedral. Upon returning to the lake, he anticipates that the experience will be much the same as before, lying in bed on the first morning, inhaling the familiar scent of the bedroom, and hearing his son quietly slip away to explore the shoreline by boat. White adopts the perspective of a skilled naturalist, and his description emphasizes the sensory aspects of the natural environment and highlights the typical response of children to such surroundings. White presents a Whitman-esque catalog of details to support his assertion that everything remains constant despite the passage of time. In fact, it is the unchanging nature of the lake itself that provides him with the most compelling evidence of this.

Before arriving, the narrator holds a pessimistic view of the lake, convinced that it has undergone significant negative changes. White crafts the sentence in a way that attributes these alterations to the passage of time. The personification employed portrays Time as a character whose actions impact the lake. However, contrary to his initial assumptions, once the narrator arrives with his son, he realizes that the patterns of foliage and ripples on the water have undergone minimal change. However, it is the act of fishing with his son that solidifies his conviction “beyond any doubt that everything was as it always had been, that the years were a mirage and that there had been no years”. This realization is triggered by a dragonfly perching on the tip of his fishing rod. As he gently lowers the rod into the water, causing the dragonfly to dart a couple of feet away, hover, return, and settle on the rod a little further up, he asserts that “there had been no years between the ducking of this dragonfly and the other one – the one that was part of memory”. White’s observations are as meticulous as those of a scientist recording field notes, and his language is equally precise. The identification of the present moment with his past experience is further reinforced by the specific details of the lake and the boat.

White assumes the role of both a naturalist and a sociologist in his examination of the lake. From the sociological perspective, his observations are equally meticulous and exact. He acknowledges the continuity of the “lake culture.” On the first day of fishing, he notices campers swimming along the shore, one of them even carrying a cake of soap. He recalls that throughout the years, there has always been this particular person with the cake of soap, a dedicated adherent of the lake culture, and now here he is again, reinforcing the notion that everything remains unchanged and “there had been no years”. Following a thunderstorm, as light, hope, and spirits return to the lake, White observes campers joyfully and relievedly rushing out to swim in the rain, their vibrant cries perpetuating the timeless joke about getting drenched, while children scream with delight at the novel sensation of bathing in the rain. The shared joke about getting drenched serves as a strong, unbreakable link connecting generations. There is even a comedian who wades in carrying an umbrella. As a mature observer, White finds solace in these recurring play rituals that form a cultural bond uniting generations, along with the enduring presence of nature.

However, in contrast to the elements that appear stable and everlasting, both technology and urban life introduce changes. Transportation emerges as a prominent example. During White’s childhood, his family reached the town of Belgrade by train, loading trunks onto a farm wagon with much commotion and under the supervision of his father, before being driven to the lake by the host farmer. Nowadays, the road to the lake is paved, and one discreetly arrives by car, parking it under a tree near the camp, unpacking bags swiftly, with no fuss or the loud, delightful commotion that used to accompany handling trunks. Even the road from the cabin to the farmhouse where the family had their meals has transformed. The road still traverses the bustling, dusty field, but now it has become a two-track road, with the middle track missing, the one bearing the hoof marks and remnants of dried, flaky manure.

In the conclusion of “Once More to the Lake,” White employs a powerful metaphor to convey a universal truth derived from his keen observations of the lake, his son, and his own reactions to them. It is a simple yet profoundly impactful realization that the unending cycle of life, which made him a father, will also lead him to his own mortality. The personal acceptance of this truth unfolds gradually, but its final realization jolts him. Upon returning to the lake, White experiences an emotional dissonance as he relives the memories and sensations of his childhood while simultaneously witnessing his son go through them for the first time. This peculiar sensation creates a sense of occasionally being his son, engaging in fishing and boating, and at other times being his own father. White’s internal struggle to reconcile these shifting perspectives exists on both conscious and subconscious levels. The conflict becomes evident on the first morning when White compares his son’s actions with his own habitual behaviors from years past.

At this juncture, White is acutely aware that the universal cycle leading from birth to death encompasses him as well. As he witnesses his son traversing the path toward maturity and independence, he recognizes that he, too, is nearing the horizon of his own mortality. White’s ability to deduce this universal truth from the specific and tangible aspects of his personal encounter is what distinguishes “Once More to the Lake” and elevates it to the pinnacle of artistic achievement, as per Huxley’s criteria.

A universal truth is accessible to anyone with the intellect and experience to recognize it. Moreover, it is the writer’s unique domain to articulate these universals in their own distinct and individual terms. This is precisely the strength of White’s essay. The merit of a literary work is further validated when its insights find resonance among other writers who independently express similar universal truths through their own perspectives and language.

Once More to the Lake | Themes

White’s essay revolves around the theme of the passage of time and the inevitable transformations it brings. As he revisits the lake after a considerable span of years, accompanied by his son Joe, White is confronted with numerous changes. He grapples with the illusion that the idyllic world of his childhood, as well as his present experience within it, has remained unchanged. However, while the lake itself retains its essence, White acknowledges that he himself has evolved, ultimately accepting a profound irony of life: just like the enduring natural cycle of birth, childhood, maturity, and death, he too is subject to the inevitable course leading to mortality.

Once More to the Lake | Literary Devices

“Once More to the Lake” employs various literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its themes. E.B. White uses vivid and sensory imagery throughout the essay to paint a detailed picture of the lake and its surroundings. He describes the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations in a way that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and creates a vivid mental image for the reader.

The essay personifies time, portraying it as a character with an agency that alters the lake and brings about changes. This personification helps convey the theme of the passage of time and its effects on both the physical environment and human existence.

White employs metaphors to convey deeper meanings and universal truths. For example, he uses the metaphor of the lake as a “cathedral” to describe its stillness and sacredness. Another metaphor is the “horizon” to symbolize the approaching end of life and the cycle of existence.

The lake itself serves as a symbol throughout the essay, representing both the unchanging aspects of nature and the cyclical nature of life. It embodies nostalgia, memories, and the fleeting nature of time. White subtly foreshadows the theme of mortality and the passage of time through his descriptions and observations. The early references to the changing cabins, the observation of his son growing older, and the comparison of his own actions to those of his father all hint at the underlying themes that unfold as the essay progresses.

White makes references to other literary works and cultural references, such as mentioning Turgenev’s story “Fathers and Sons.” These allusions enrich the essay by drawing connections to broader literary and cultural contexts.

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• “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White

“Once More to the Lake” is a short story by E.B. White that was first published in 1941. In the story, the narrator reflects on his childhood experiences at a lake, and how they have changed now that he is a father himself.

The story begins with the narrator recalling a particular trip to the lake from his childhood. He remembers how excited he was to be there, and all of the familiar sights and sounds of the place.

Now, as an adult, the narrator returns to the same lake with his own son. He is struck by how much has stayed the same, despite the passage of time. The lake still smells the same, and the same kind of fish are swimming in it.

However, the narrator also notices the ways in which things have changed. His own son is now the same age that he was when he first visited the lake. This makes the narrator feel both nostalgic and sad, as he reflects on his own mortality.

In the end, the narrator comes to a realization that although time may change some things, there are some things that will always remain the same.

“Once More to the Lake” is a beautiful and poignant story about childhood memories, fatherhood, and the inevitability of change.

E.B Whites essay, “Once More to the Lake” tells the story of a father and son vacationing at the same lake White used to visit as a child. With every memory that resurfaces from his childhood, he feels as if no time has passed since he was last there showing how much things can change with age while still remaining the same.

In the beginning of the essay, White describes his trip up north to the lake with his son. As they are packing their belongings in the car, he realizes that everything is exactly like it was when he was a child and going on the same trip. Even the way his son packs is exactly how he did it as a child. This realization causes him to feel as if no time has passed and he is still that small boy.

Once they arrive at the lake and set up their camp, more memories start to come back to him. He hears his father coughing in the morning, just like he used to when White was a child. The meals they ate were also exactly the same as when he was younger.

As a boy, his father would take him to the same camping spot every year. Even though he was certain that there would be changes by now, upon arrival, all of the sights, sounds, and smells transported him back to feeling peaceful at the lake in Maine.

The memories of his father come flooding back, and he is transported back in time to when he was a boy.

He remembers the excitement of waiting for his father to finish packing the car so they could finally leave for their vacation. He recalls the long car ride and how his father would sing songs to pass the time. When they would finally arrive at the lake, he would race down to the water to go swimming.

Now, as an adult, he can appreciate the beauty of the lake and the peace it brings him. He still feels a sense of wonder when he looks out at the water and sees the same view that he did as a child. Even though time has passed, this place remains special to him and always will.

The overall mood of the tale is acceptance of aging and the passage of time. White fights against it throughout the narrative, as reality becomes more difficult for him to grasp. The author employs a number of literary techniques to create vivid descriptions and comparisons, including imagery, tone, and symbolism.

The story is based on a trip that White takes with his young son, to the same lake that he went to as a child. Every summer, White and his family would go to this particular lake in New England

For White, this trip back to the lake house is full of remembrance and Deja Vu. He constantly compares his current self, to his younger self through out the story.

When they first arrive at the lake and begin to unpack, he has a moment where he is standing in the kitchen and “for just an instant he had stepped out time and into memory…He was no longer a boy but he was not yet a man.”

This struggle between boyhood and manhood is a common theme for White and becomes one of the strongest elements as the story progresses.

While at the lake, White spends most of his time observing his son and comparing him to himself at that age. He is amazed by how much they are alike and also by how different they are.

“He looked hard at his son…trying to separate him from himself. It was not easy to do.”

This idea of separating himself from his son, also ties into the overall theme of aging. As he gets older, White begins to realize that he is no longer the boy he once was and that time has moved on without him.

The narrator uses descriptive language and comparisons to transport the reader into his own memories, making it difficult for him to come back to reality and face the fact that he has aged significantly since then. These reincarnated memories make White feel as though he is living in a “dual existence.”

The lake is a place where the passage of time seems to stand still. Even though it has been years since he was there last, everything looks exactly the same. The same dock, the same trees, and even the same outhouse. To White, it feels as if he has never left.

In the essay, White uses plenty of similes and metaphors to describe his experiences. He talks about how “the water was brownish-green, with yellow foam edging the shore” (1). The way he uses specific colors helps set a visual for the reader while also providing emotion.

Although this story is rather short, only a little over a page, E.B. White packs a lot of detail into his words. By the end, the reader feels as if they have taken the journey with him and can visualize everything he describes.

E.B. White’s short story “Once More to the Lake” is a beautiful example of how nostalgia can bring about intense feelings of both joy and sadness. Through the use of vivid language and comparisons, White is able to transport the reader back in time to his own childhood memories while also providing a new perspective on aging.

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The Passage of Time in E.b. White's 'Once More to The Lake'

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Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White

Table of Contents

“Once More to the Lake” is a famous essay written by E.B. White , an American writer and essayist, in 1941. The essay reflects on the passage of time and the cycle of life, as White recounts a visit to a lake in Maine that he had experienced as a child and now revisits with his own son.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- In the essay, White uses vivid descriptions and personal reflections to explore the themes of memory, mortality, and the nature of change. He starts by setting the scene of his return to the lake, describing the familiar sights and sounds that evoke a sense of nostalgia. As he spends time at the lake, he reflects on the similarities and differences between his current experience and the memories of his childhood.

Also Read:- Shooting An Elephant Essay Summary By George Orwell

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- White is struck by the realization that time has passed and that he has grown older. He finds himself observing his son as he engages in activities that he once did himself as a child. This juxtaposition of past and present leads White to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable passage of time.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- Throughout the essay, White explores the idea of the “eternal present,” where past and present merge, and he becomes one with his memories. He also contemplates the concept of mortality and the cyclical nature of life, as he witnesses his son’s experiences mirroring his own.

“Once More to the Lake” is considered a classic piece of American literature due to its introspective nature and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection in the reader. It is a contemplative essay that raises existential questions about the human experience and the impact of time on our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us.

About E.B. White

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- Elwyn Brooks White, commonly known as E.B. White, was an American writer born on July 11, 1899, in Mount Vernon, New York. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literature, particularly known for his contributions to children’s literature and his essays.

White attended Cornell University, where he graduated in 1921. After college, he began his writing career as a reporter for The Seattle Times. He later worked as a freelance writer for various publications, including The New Yorker magazine. It was during his time at The New Yorker that he developed his distinctive writing style and gained recognition as an accomplished essayist.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- In addition to his essays, E.B. White made significant contributions to children’s literature. He published his first children’s book, “Stuart Little,” in 1945, which tells the story of a mouse born to human parents. 

The book was well-received and became a classic. He followed it up with his most famous work, “Charlotte’s Web,” in 1952, which tells the story of a spider named Charlotte and her friendship with a pig named Wilbur. “Charlotte’s Web” is considered one of the greatest children’s books of all time and has won numerous awards.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- E.B. White’s writing was characterized by his precise and evocative language, his ability to capture the essence of human experiences, and his deep appreciation for nature and animals. His works often explore themes such as friendship, love, loss, and the complexities of the human condition.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- In addition to his children’s books and essays, White co-authored “The Elements of Style” in 1918 with his professor William Strunk Jr. This renowned guide to English grammar and style is widely used and considered a valuable resource for writers.

E.B. White received several prestigious awards for his literary contributions, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal and a special Pulitzer Prize for his body of work.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- He passed away on October 1, 1985, at the age of 86, leaving behind a significant legacy in American literature. His works continue to be celebrated and cherished by readers of all ages.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- The essay’s themes of nostalgia, the eternal present, and the interconnectedness of past and present resonate with readers and invite them to reflect on their own experiences and the impact of time on their lives. 

White’s skillful storytelling and introspective tone make “Once More to the Lake” a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers and provoke thought about the human condition.

Ultimately, “Once More to the Lake” serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing moments and connections with loved ones.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- It urges us to embrace the present, while also acknowledging the interconnectedness of our past experiences. Through White’s lyrical prose, the essay invites us to contemplate our own mortality and to find meaning and beauty in the ever-changing cycle of life.

Q: When was E.B. White born? 

A: E.B. White, whose full name was Elwyn Brooks White, was born on July 11, 1899.

Q: What other notable works did E.B. White write? 

A: E.B. White is best known for his contributions to children’s literature, particularly for his books “Charlotte’s Web” (1952) and “Stuart Little” (1945). He also co-authored “The Elements of Style” (1918), a widely respected guide to English grammar and style.

Q: Did E.B. White win any awards for his writing? 

A: Yes, E.B. White received several awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 1970 for his lasting contributions to children’s literature. He also received a special Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for his body of work as a distinguished and versatile essayist, humorist, and author.

Q: What was E.B. White’s writing style like? 

A: E.B. White’s writing style was known for its clarity, simplicity, and elegance. He had a talent for vividly describing scenes and characters, often with a touch of wit and humor. His prose was accessible to readers of all ages, and he had a unique ability to convey deep emotions and profound ideas in a relatable and engaging manner.

Q: When did E.B. White pass away? 

A: E.B. White passed away on October 1, 1985, at the age of 86.

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Returning 'Once More To The Lake' Through Literature

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When politics or social media seem overwhelming, to where do you escape? With World War II looming, writer E.B. White wrote his classic essay, "Once More to the Lake." In that spirit, we'll go to the lake once more, as well, and find other lake-inspired literature.

Here & Now 's Robin Young speaks with author and Colby College English professor Tilar Mazzeo  ( @tilarmaz ).

• Read E.B. White's "Once More to the Lake"
• Find more from  our conversation on the Mount Tambora eruption in 1816, and the art that came from it

Here are more lake-inspired reading recommendations from our listeners:

• " The Lake ," by Ray Bradbury
• " Maine Lakes ," photographs by Christopher Barnes, text by Sara Stiles Bright

And here's a lake-inspired poem sent to us by Lloyd Schwartz, who teaches poetry at the University of Massachusetts Boston (and who  joined Here & Now in 2013 to talk poetry):

Nostalgia (The Lake At Night)

The black water. Lights dotting the entire perimeter. Their shaky reflections. The dark tree line. The plap-plapping of water around the pier. Creaking boats. The creaking pier. Voices in conversation, in discussion—two men, adults—serious inflections (the words themselves just out of reach). A rusty screen-door spring, then the door swinging shut. Footsteps on a porch, the scrape of a wooden chair. Footsteps shuffling through sand, animated youthful voices (how many?—-distinct, disappearing. A sudden guffaw; some giggles; a woman's—no, a young girl's—sarcastic reply; someone's assertion; a high-pitched male cackle. Somewhere else a child laughing. Bug-zappers. Tires whirring along a pavement . . . not stopping . . . receding. Shadows from passing headlights. A cat's eyes caught in a headlight. No moon. Connect-the-dot constellations filling the black sky—the ladle of the Big Dipper not quite directly overhead. The radio tower across the lake, signalling. Muffled quacking near the shore; a frog belching; crickets, cicadas, katydids, etc.—their relentless sexual messages. A sudden gust of wind. Branches brushing against each other--pine, beech. A fiberglass hull tapping against the dock. A sudden chill. The smell of smoke, woodstove fires. A light going out. A dog barking; then more barking from another part of the lake. A burst of quiet laughter. Someone in the distance calling someone too loud. Steps on a creaking porch. A screen-door spring, the door banging shut. Another light going out (you must have just undressed for bed). My bare feet on the splintery pier turning away from the water.

Interview Highlights

On the popular E.B. White essay " Once More to the Lake "

"Well, I teach it every year when I teach freshman [composition]. It's one of my favorite essays, and part of it is that he's had a huge impact on what we consider American prose style, which is this very clear, kind of crystalline prose style.

"One of the reasons that it's so commonly taught is it's an incredibly beautiful piece of writing. For me, one of the things I also like about it is, as a personal essay, I always say to students that I think in some ways to understand that essay, you need to remember the moment at which it was published. It was published in the fall of 1941 right before Pearl Harbor and America's entry into the second world war, so it's really in some ways a rumination about trying to get outside of an oncoming political storm by thinking about what it means to retreat to a lake and be outside of that for a moment."

On the theme of continuity in White's writing about lakes

"There is a lot of productive confusion in that essay about looking at his son and feeling as though he's inhabiting his son's body, or that his son is inhabiting his body. The sense is a physical in way in which we pass history on to our children, and how going to a lake in the summer in Maine, doing the same thing that your father did, and having your children do the same thing is a kind of continuity of a certain kind of American experience for E.B. White."

On "the American family at play"

"In some ways I think it's what we're all trying to re-create on the Fourth of July. It's that vision of the lake that I think E.B. White had, you know, that you have the red-and-white checkered tablecloth, and the roast chicken, and you go buy the blueberries at the farmstand, and you go for the swim in the lake and the kids lay on the dock for the afternoon. I think for him, even in that moment, he was looking back to this idea of a simpler history — because, of course, 1941 was not a simple moment in the world either.

"I actually grew up on a lake in Maine, and remember those old cottages, which I think have now tumbled down... There's the little cottages with the screened windows and outhouses. But I think even for White, that was already a nostalgic moment, an idea that there was a passing of a simpler moment, and that the 20th century was a complicated place to live."

On Britain's famous Lake Poets

"These were what were known as the British Romantics, poets that were living at the end of the 18th century, and the beginning of the 19th century, which was also a complicated moment to be alive. That was the beginning, in some ways, in Britain of the Industrial Revolution, and they were watching the end of certain kinds of pastoral, agricultural landscapes. These are a bunch of poets who retreated to the lake district, which was still a very remote landscape at that moment. Dorothy Wordsworth, who was the sister of William Wordsworth, she kept a very detailed naturalist journal, commonly available to everybody in the households, and it was used as an inspiration for a lot of the poetry that was written about the lakes and the mountains as well in that area."

On British writers using lakes to talk about a changing culture

"It was really a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and against this heightened urbanism that was beginning to take over in England and beginning to change that culture. It was a moment of huge economic transformation in Britain. On the one hand, they wanted to be part of the political transformation that came with that, they were ardent supporters of the American Revolution and the French Revolution, and really wanted a different vision of England... The Industrial Revolution was consolidating class differences and not opening that space up. So, they wanted to be a part of this political, idealistic vision, but at the same time, they wanted to step outside of the economic pressures of industrialization that were bringing it to a point of crisis."

This article was originally published on August 01, 2017.

This segment aired on August 1, 2017.

More From Our Series On Lakes:

• Swimming, Hiking And More: A Guide To The Best Summer Lakes
• During National Lake Appreciation Month, You Told Us Your Favorites
• Lake Memories: Family Visits Same Lake For Over 80 Years

More from Here & Now

Once More to the Lake

16 pages • 32 minutes read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Analysis

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Discussion Questions

One of the essays most striking features is White’s descriptions of the feeling that he has re-entered his past as his father, while his son has taken on the role of his younger self. Why is this impression important to White’s description of his vacation?

Analyze one or more of White’s descriptions of the lake itself. What do these descriptions tell us about White’s feelings towards the lake and what literary or stylistic techniques does he use to communicate those feelings?

Despite the changes White describes, he is insistent that the lake and its surroundings have remained more or less the same since his childhood visits. Do these insistences seem sincere to you? Why does White emphasize the importance of consistency in the face of change?

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