once more to the lake eb white essay

• About / Contact
• Privacy Policy
• Alphabetical List of Companies
• Business Analysis Topics

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. His current visit to the lake also represents his desire to be there. The lake 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.
• Copyright by Panmore Institute - All rights reserved.
• This article may not be reproduced, distributed, or mirrored without written permission from Panmore Institute and its author/s.
• Educators, Researchers, and Students: You are permitted to quote or paraphrase parts of this article (not the entire article) for educational or research purposes, as long as the article is properly cited and referenced together with its URL/link.

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.

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 | 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Summary & Analysis of Greasy Lake

The great lawsuit summary, related articles, hell heaven summary, piano poem analysis, games at twilight | summary and analysis, the snake and the mirror | summary and analysis, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Adblock Detected

Ask the publishers to restore access to 500,000+ books.

Can You Chip In? (USD)

Internet Archive Audio

• This Just In
• Grateful Dead
• Old Time Radio
• 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
• Audio Books & Poetry
• Computers, Technology and Science
• Music, Arts & Culture
• News & Public Affairs
• Spirituality & Religion
• Radio News Archive

• Flickr Commons
• Occupy Wall Street Flickr
• NASA Images
• Solar System Collection
• Ames Research Center

• All Software
• Old School Emulation
• MS-DOS Games
• Historical Software
• Classic PC Games
• Software Library
• Kodi Archive and Support File
• Vintage Software
• CD-ROM Software
• CD-ROM Software Library
• Software Sites
• Tucows Software Library
• Shareware CD-ROMs
• Software Capsules Compilation
• CD-ROM Images
• ZX Spectrum
• DOOM Level CD

• Smithsonian Libraries
• FEDLINK (US)
• Lincoln Collection
• American Libraries
• Canadian Libraries
• Universal Library
• Project Gutenberg
• Children's Library
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Books by Language
• Additional Collections

• Prelinger Archives
• Democracy Now!
• Occupy Wall Street
• TV NSA Clip Library
• Animation & Cartoons
• Arts & Music
• Computers & Technology
• Cultural & Academic Films
• Ephemeral Films
• Sports Videos
• Videogame Videos
• Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

• Wayback Machine (iOS)
• Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

• Explore the Collections
• Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

• Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

Once More To The Lake

Bookreader item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

• Graphic Violence
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Hate Speech
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
• Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

Download options.

For users with print-disabilities

IN COLLECTIONS

Uploaded by VulpixForever37 on August 4, 2024

SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata)

• English Literature
• Short Stories
• Literary Terms
• Web Stories

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.

Related Posts

1500 words essay on earlier form of fiction with authors in english, 1000 words essay on ecosystem restoration in english medium for students, 1000 words essay on 14 august in english medium for students.

Attempt a critical appreciation of The Triumph of Life by P.B. Shelley.

Consider The Garden by Andrew Marvell as a didactic poem.

Why does Plato want the artists to be kept away from the ideal state

Do any of the characters surprise you at any stage in the novel Tamas

William Shakespeare Biography and Works

Discuss the theme of freedom in Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

How does William Shakespeare use the concept of power in Richard III

Analyze the use of imagery in William Shakespeare’s sonnets

Meg 05 literary criticism & theory solved assignment 2024-25, name an australian author known for their memoirs, what is the significance of the character “nathanial delaney” in “the secret river”.

Poem Summary Easter by Jill Alexander Essbaum Line by Line Explanation

• Advertisement
• Privacy & Policy
• Other Links

© 2023 Literopedia

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Book Review — The Passage of Time in E.B. White’s ‘Once More to the Lake’

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

• Categories: Book Review Plot

About this sample

Words: 771 |

Published: Dec 16, 2021

Words: 771 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1261 words

2 pages / 788 words

3 pages / 1314 words

4 pages / 1709 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Book Review

Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo, is a classic novel that depicts the struggles of the poor and oppressed during the French Revolution. The purpose of this critical essay is to analyze the historical context, characters, [...]

Literature has long been recognized as a medium for reflecting and exploring societal issues. As Toni Morrison once said, "We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives." This [...]

Adrienne Rich's poem "Diving into the Wreck" is a powerful and evocative work that delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and empowerment. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Rich takes the reader on a [...]

Sandra Cisneros, a renowned Mexican-American writer, is celebrated for her literary contributions that explore themes of identity, culture, and gender. In her essay "Only Daughter," Cisneros delves into her personal experiences [...]

The narrator of "Note to Sixth-Grade Self" gains confidence and strength during the course of her story. The narrator is consistently bullied by Patricia and Cara, the popular girls at school. They turn the entire school against [...]

Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One is an innovative and intellectual young adult novel released in 2011. This sci-fi story recounts the quest of an ordinary teenager named Wade Watts who relies on an extremely advanced virtual [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Once More to the Lake

Once more to the lake lyrics.

How to Format Lyrics:

• Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
• Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
• Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
• Use italics ( <i>lyric</i> ) and bold ( <b>lyric</b> ) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
• If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

First published in Harper’s magazine in 1941, “Once More to the Lake” narrates White’s visit to Belgrade Lakes, Maine, where he had vacationed as a child.

Golden Pond in Belgrade Lakes. Image via Maine Travel Maven.

For a fresh look at White’s timeless children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web , read the Lit Genius original, “Hidden Threads: Revisiting "Charlotte’s Web”.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Genius is the world’s biggest collection of song lyrics and musical knowledge

• Houston Community College
• Eagle Online

• Brent Baggaley
• Composition IIa Spring 2017 (ENGL 1302)
• Readings and Links

Once More to the Lake

To print or download this file, click the link below:

Reference.com

What's Your Question?

• History & Geography
• Science & Technology
• Business & Finance
• Pets & Animals

What Is the Thesis of “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White?

“Once More to the Lake” is an essay by E.B. White describing his emotions when he returns to a childhood summer place. He had first visited the Maine camp with his own father in 1904, and he revisits in 1941 with his son. He compares the lake of his memory with the largely unchanged contemporary scene and simultaneously experiences the place through his son’s eyes and his own.

White’s essay follows the trail of memory as he and his son drive to the cabin and unload their gear, rent a motorized boat for bass fishing and dine at a local restaurant. White begins to feel as though he is the son listening to his father’s words coming out of his own mouth. He imagines that time has stood still and that a dragonfly, the bather with a bar of soap and teenagers in a steamship cruise boat are the same ones he had noticed as a child.

The essay is an exercise in duality. Is White the son or the father? Has time passed or is it frozen? It ends with White feeling the “chill of death” as he watches his son pull a soggy, cold bathing suit up around “his vitals,” a reference to his own mortality.

MORE FROM REFERENCE.COM

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

Key Figures

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

The lake is first discussed in contrast to the tempestuous sea where White has vacationed during his adult life. In contrast to the sea, the lake is calm and everlasting. It is presented as the embodiment of White’s childhood memories themselves and, in returning to the lake, White feels that he is literally reliving his childhood memories. As such, when White describes the lake as a “constant and trustworthy body of water” (2), he is also speaking to qualities that he associates with childhood memories. For White, both the lake and his childhood memories seem magical because they manage to appear fixed even as the rest of the world changes. 

Religious and Spiritual Language

In describing the lake, its surroundings, and its visitors, White makes repeated use of religious and spiritual language. The first examples occur in the essay’s second paragraph, when White describes the lake as both a “holy spot” and a “cathedral.” This sort of language is mainly used to express White’s reverence for the lake.

Related Titles

By E. B. White

Charlotte's Web

Here Is New York

Stuart Little

The Trumpet of the Swan

Featured Collections

View Collection

Essays & Speeches

Mortality & Death