Category Archives: E.B. White

E.B. White

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

The gift of privacy is something that people have in New York in contrast to someone living in a small village. You can walk around and not have to worry about people seeing who you are and what you are doing. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing something wrong, it just means that you are limited in privacy. In a village, you are your own celebrity. That being said, the gift of privacy goes hand-and-hand with the gift of loneliness.

When there is a train full of people, very rarely does one person talk to another person that they do not know. We are all secluded into our own bubbles of reality. We become so obsessed with our privacy that we, as people, do not let ourselves into our own realities.

I agree with White’s line because it is apparent in every day life living in New York. When someone goes up to another person to ask them a question, the conversation remains untouched. People are so focused on their own privacy that they believe every question asked will be a question or inquiry not worth their time. The opening is very effective due to the understanding on an inner-New York life.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

I believe the author uses lists in order to create some sort of category within objects/items/ideas one would think do not go well together. For example, a grocery list would include eggs, flour, butter, milk. However, if the list included eggs, flour, sunglasses, AA batteries, pens, one would have a reason, a story, as to why they are putting that in a grocery list.

Here Is New York

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

The opening line of E.B White’s book is a bold statement which introduces the reader to what New York is through his perspective. I personally agree with White’s statement since as a native New Yorker, I believe that living in this city has made me appreciative of both the gift of enjoying alone time, as well as the gift of being able to keep certain things to myself. I believe it is an effective way to start this book because it immediately grabs your attention as a reader. Usually, privacy and loneliness can have negative connotations towards them, but in making these things a “gift,” White causes the reader to think outside of the box. Instead of talking about something typical like Madison Square Garden or with the phrase “the city never sleeps,” White chooses to open his book with an unexpected play on words that immerses the reader into the story and leaves them wanting to know more about New York.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

White uses lists in many instances throughout the book in order to group different categories into a collective statement. For example, when he begins to describe exactly where he is standing, White groups events such as city fights, specific street names, neighborhood businesses, etc… to group all these distinct things and places together. It’s also makes the writing seem more personable, more of a conservation than a formal writing. The lists inform you and keep the writing more casual.

Here is New York

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

The opening line of the book is a bold statement by White that establishes the theme for the rest of the book. I agree that New York bestows the gift of loneliness and the gifts of privacy, whether it implies a positive or negative connotation, because in a place clustered with people, everyone is eager to succeed for themselves for a number of reasons and they tend to tune out what does not pertain to them. There are too many people in the city to be able to understand everybody, therefore people do things they want on their leisure time and do not focus on what everybody else is doing, which would be more likely in a smaller city with less people. No matter what time period it is, whether its E.B. White’s New York, or the New York that we live in today, there are so many things going on around the city as White mentions, that may be fascinating in theory, but no one will take the time to go to because there simply is not enough time to be involved in everything. He revisits the concept of loneliness and privacy throughout the text as he continues to list the different things in New York, whether the city is too crowded and tense for people to be integrated with one another or “blending the gift of privacy with participation” so that too many events serves as a blockade to be part of all events. I think the opening is effective because it establishes what the writer will speak about and it is not an abandoned thought, rather something that resonates throughout the entire text. It serves as a direction for the author and allows him to play with the words in different ways to illustrate how hectic New York City is, no matter the time period.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

The writer uses lists in the book after making a declarative statement in the text. They serve as justifications and visualizations for the reader’s apprehension to sync with the mind of the author. The reader is thrown a piece of knowledge, and then put into the reality of that piece of knowledge, giving the text the same busyness and excess of what is going in New York to better understand the given circumstances. They empower the metaphors that are used throughout the story.

E.B. White: Here is New York

Posted on by

It is unexpected to declare New York, a populous city which has an overabundance of people and cultured events, as a city that “will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy.” That of which is a singular perspective of E.B. White’s account of New York City as a visitor. A visitor in any vast city, such as New York, will most likely experience a great deal of loneliness and privacy. Since a visitor may not have a small group of companions because he or she has little acquaintance with the city and its inhabitants; therefore he or she would find a great deal of privacy. The more a visitor becomes acquainted with the city and its inhabitants, he or she will develop a semblance of inclusion and companionship that is possibly intimate. Then over time a visitor acclimates as a New York resident. Since White is not a New York resident and wrote this composition as a young writer and an “inveterate non traveler,” his misconception of loneliness and privacy is something that would be associated with small, dull towns and uncultured cities. Or his misconception of loneliness and privacy is used to emphasize the greater exploration of New York. In the exploration, White expounds on his observation and constant interaction with people and with the city itself. The only moments you feel a semblance of loneliness and privacy is when he describes his “moments in a stifling hotel room” and “in an office on a summer Saturday.” But this is only my perspective based on an obscure opening that reflects an abstract view.

The opening line: “On any person who desires such queer prizes, New York will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy,” it is hard to agree with this sentence – along with its opening paragraph because it contradicts the entirety of the book – starting from the second paragraph. In the second paragraph, White immediately presents a long list of various aspects engaged in New York, and then continues a connecting list of descriptive words that presents prolific sense of unity and cohesion in New York. White further expounds with another list of eminent events that sets a tone of inclusion, by which indicates his own involvement and intrusiveness of New York and its inhabitants.

 

E.B. White “Here is New York”

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

New York city is a place filled with adventure, excitement, and tremendous opportunities. E.B. White opens his book by stating, “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy” (19). Right from the beginning, White effectively sets the tone and his perception of New York. He provides his audience with his opinions and experiences in the city. New York is a “city like poetry: it compresses all life, all races and breeds” (29). The inescapable crowds of people can create an overwhelming and anxious feeling. Walking down the loud streets, you are placed into your own private world where the people around you are considered strangers.The city is a busy place where people fight for cabs or spots on the train to get to work, not caring to get to know the people around them, which leaves a sense of loneliness. In this aspect, I agree with White in that privacy and loneliness are results of being in the city. It can  be looked at as both positive and negative results. It’s a “gift” where personal information is kept a secret and you can do your own thing however, it can create a longing to be a part of a small close-knit  community.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

The writer utilizes lists in this book as a tool to help his readers understand the concepts he is talking about. Every claim he makes about New York is provided with examples of names of people or places and his own personal memories to help the reader relate to his claims. His detailed lists help in the telling of the city’s history.

Here is New York Blog Post

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

In the opening line of White’s book, “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy”, I get the impression that he is informing readers what a privilege it is to get these aspects of life in a city most would not expect. The word “gift” lets me know that he is looking at this as a positive. I agree with White about the gift of privacy. As humans this is something we need and something we crave. On the other hand, I personally do not seek or enjoy loneliness. I am very much a social individual whom enjoys the company of others. The opening is very effective in the sense that right off the bat readers can see that he has a new perspective on New York and it might not be what the average would expect. It encourages myself as a reader to keep going and I become thoroughly intrigued. It accomplishes giving the readers an immediate feel about what it means to be in New York without even scanning to the second sentence.

 

 

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

White uses lists in this book rather melodically. Mimicking similar styles of Walt Whitman, White manages to take a sentence that many would read as grammatically incorrect and give it flare and meaning. Each list was hand crafted to prove a point such as how the city has drastic differences yet something to offer to everyone. For example, “..art and commerce and sport and religion and entertainment and finance..” (White 19).

E.B White, Here in New York Answers

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

My impression of the opening line of White’s book is that it is intentional. A gift is described as something that is given to you with honor. To me a gift shows reverence to someone. So when I read New York bestows gifts of loneliness and gifts of privacy I took it as both positive statements. People may disagree with loneliness and privacy being a gift, however, I must disagree. I think breakthroughs happen in solitary moments.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

List provide an umbrella or bridge of words that may not necessary seem natural together. E.B White keeps us on our toes with his lists, providing thought provoking comparisons in a provocative tone.

Here is New York

Posted on by

1. It’s an incredibly effective opening, as White does an excellent job of describing what I believe is everyone’s exact feelings towards New York. Privacy is most definitely a plausible gift, as it is something people generally seek out, and New York, while crowded, loud, and often cramped, can provide complete and much needed alone time among the ruckus in a simple corner booth of a restaurant or a park bench.

Loneliness is easily attainable here as well. Even in a city full of people, one can feel incredibly alone. Whether it’s in a packed subway car or a Baruch elevator, one can literally be surrounded by other bodies and yet be utterly alone. Or, live in a building be completely alone. New York is unique in that it offers this feeling, and you must actively seek people out to combat this.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

White uses lists to make points in his book. He uses lists to make the point that every single thing he lists, no matter how long the list may be, is incredibly important. That New York is the center of everything he lists, in no particular order. And that he is just blocks away from all these places that so many important events occurred, again, in no particular order of importance. He effectively shows the importance and the history of New York in his lists.

E.B White Here is NY

Posted on by

1. What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

I agree with White because, as many New Yorkers can relate, there can be thousand of people surrounding you but at the same time feel so isolated from everyone. I’ve come to realize that everyone is busy with their own life and that’s why everyone is such in a rush. It’s funny and strange that most residents don’t even know they’re own neighbor, even if they lived there for over 10 years. New York can make you feel fulfilled yet alone. I believe the opening was very effective because it basically describes the life of a New Yorker in a nutshell. It accomplishes a sense of emotions and visual effect, in a way, that the reader might have when they first read the sentence.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book

The writer uses lists in his book because it actually helps the reader have visual effects of New York. When I was reading the lists and his description of New York, I felt like I was in the life of that individual walking just two blocks away and being in another world. It makes the reader feel involved in the life and surroundings of a New Yorker.

E.B White “Here is New York”

Posted on by

1. The opening line of White’s book is provoking the reader’s curiosity because White starts by introducing the New York as a place where the person can both suffer from isolation and obtain secrecy moments. I could not agree with White more on the description of New York from the beginning. Being in the New York for half a decade, I have learned to adopt the culture and respect “privacy” of others. In addition, White uses an ironic tone in the opening by purposely choosing the phrase and the word such as “queer prizes” and “gifts” to get the attention of the reader. White’s opening is very effective because the reader wants to know more about this eccentric place, the New York. It accomplishes the primary goal of introduction which is to present the overview of the title “Here is New York.”

2.  White uses many different lists such as the name of famous writers, types of New Yorkers, neighbourhoods, races, and so on. Obviously, the writer uses those lists to deliver his affection of certain places in New York. One of the reasons the writer use lists is to connect with the reader in a clear format throughout the book.