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.