The conflict of generations is an eternal issue, described by numerous authors at different times. However, the topic is still worth to be discussed. The inner world of every person usually changes through the years and it can be really important to remember on how you perceived the common things in the childhood. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary to share your memories with your own children. E.B. White, one of the outstanding writers of the 20th century, reflected the inner world of an adult, who dove into his childhood memories. The bright essay Once More to the Lake contains numerous momentous topics for discussion and fateful issues.
Once More to the Lake ’s purpose is to show the tight links between the present life and past memories. The story begins with a wonderful journey of the father and his son to the lake somewhere in Maine. Visiting the place of his childhood, the father dives into the memories, when he was fishing on the same lake with his Dad. He is full of excitement and nostalgia since the mere is connected with the most pleasant impressions of his life. However, father faces a harsh reality: the atmosphere of the place has greatly changed. Numerous boats with loud engines are sailing along the lake.
The most valuable Once More to the Lake thesis is the clash of the expected and actual reality. Father wanted to see a calm and peaceful place; however, he was upset and disappointed by the new surrounding and noise. The episode shows that the real world can significantly differ from the inner expectations. Furthermore, the father is not ready to accept the new circumstances. The main idea of this situation is that sometimes reality does not justify our expectations.
Another Once More to the Lake argument is a high impact of modern technologies on our lives, and, especially, our privacy. A large number of boats with new noisy engines changed the whole lake’s ambience. The author emphasizes that despite high-tech technologies has plenty of advantages, they can also affect our lives in a negative way.
Once More to the Lake main hero is also depressed by the fact that the lake is no longer wild. The inner essence of his thoughts is that he is sad about the transience of time. The things are changing at a speedy rate; father is not a young boy anymore and the lake is no more the silent place for fishing. Life goes fast and many things will never be the same again.
Father’s mood and positive emotions are also influenced by his son’s attitude to the lake. The son is not ready to get up early, as well as he isn’t excited with fishing at all. The father understands that everything had inevitably changed. He also realizes that he is not a teen anymore and all his best memories are left in the past. He feels melancholy instead of the amazing juvenile delight, which he experienced in his childhood.
Once More to the Lake Culmination
The culmination of the story is a storm that hit the family’s boat. The storm changes father’s concern to the whole world, his childhood, and memories. The father is now looking at the lake not from the kid’s viewpoint, but from the adult one. Moreover, he feels that the reality is not so miserable and annoying; it only differs from his own expectations. The great storm and adventure spirit make him feel alive and optimistic again.
Father is no longer blaming his son for disrespectful behavior and attitude to his memories. He doesn’t make him repeat his own experience and practices; the son is now treated as an individual. Father is finally feeling comfort and support from his family.
Once More to the Lake questions and answers should be definitely considered by every parent. The essay cautions adults not to make the most common mistake of transferring the parent’s dreams for their kids. Every person is an exceptional individual and needs to live his or her own life.
References:
- White, E. B. Once More to the Lake. Essays of E.B White. New York: Harper & Row, 1977.
- Elledge, Scott. E. B. White: A Biography. New York: W. W. Norton, 1985.
Disclaimer:
Once More to the Lake rhetorical analysis text is a common example of the interpretive essay. Note that you shouldn’t copy any part of the essay. Writing a college essay should be done individually. We hope that this example will help you to create your own bright and exceptional text.
