Questions and Answers
What significant change did Elwyn Brooks White experience during his summers at the lake in Maine as an adult?
Which of the following was NOT one of White's written works?
What did White's father do during their camping trip that was memorable?
In which year did White write 'Once More to the Lake'?
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What was the primary location of White's childhood memories as described in the content?
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What did White experience while trying to reminisce about his childhood at the lake?
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What physical ailment did White and his family suffer from during their stay at the lake?
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How did White's son react to the lake environment on their journey?
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What did the narrator most clearly remember about the early mornings at the lake?
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What sensation did the narrator experience while in the setting of the lake with his son?
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How did the narrative describe the lake's surroundings?
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What concern did the narrator have about his actions while on the canoe?
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Which sensory detail did the narrator associate with the bedroom in the camp?
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What did the narrator imply about the tarred road leading to the lake?
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What consistent behavior did the narrator observe in his son?
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Which of the following best describes the lake during the narrator's childhood?
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What image does the narrator conjure to illustrate the stillness of the lake?
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What did the narrator mean by stating that the years were a mirage?
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Study Notes
Elwyn Brooks White: Life and Works
- Elwyn Brooks White (1899–1985) was born in Mount Vernon, New York.
- Graduated from Cornell University in 1921; began career as journalist and advertising copywriter.
- Joined The New Yorker in 1926 and wrote a regular column for Harper’s.
- Notable works include children’s classics Stuart Little (1945) and Charlotte’s Web (1952).
- Authored The Elements of Style (1959), a renowned writing guide based on teachings from William Strunk.
- Wrote "Once More to the Lake" in August 1941, before the U.S. entered World War II, reflecting on nostalgia and memory.
Memories of Great Pond
- Great Pond in Maine was a beloved family vacation spot during August since 1904.
- Family experiences included catching ringworm from kittens and humorous incidents like a canoe mishap.
- Strong sentimental attachment to the lake, described as unparalleled in beauty and tranquility.
Reflections on Change and Time
- Returning to the lake as an adult, White anticipated changes made by time, notably the nearby tarred road.
- Despite worries, he found familiarity in scents and sensations reminiscent of childhood mornings at the lake.
- Noted the thin partitions of the camp, creating a sense of closeness and shared experiences.
Connection to Nature and Duality of Experience
- The lake was semi-developed, with cottages dotted along the shoreline but still maintained a natural beauty.
- His reunion at the lake evoked memories; felt a connection to his past and his father, blurring individual identity.
- The experience was so vivid that simple activities led to feelings of dual existence, perceiving himself as both father and son.
Fishing and Nurturing Nostalgia
- Consistent with childhood, White's fishing experience was enriched by sensory memories, like damp moss and dragonflies.
- He articulated a realization that despite the passage of time, the essence of the lake remained unchanged, suggesting the persistence of memory.
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Description
Explore the life and works of Elwyn Brooks White, a prominent journalist and author known for his contributions to children's literature and writing guides. This quiz covers his biography, famous books, and impact on literature. Test your knowledge of this influential figure in American letters.
