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.