My Little Bit of Country Essay Example

elsewhere. Furthermore, her extreme independence is evident when she seizes every opportunity to take trains back into New York City (lines 126-128 on page 8).

The primary focus of this passage is the juxtaposition between suburban life and life in New York. The suburbs are characterized as dull and tedious, even nature fails to excite the narrator with skunk cabbage, rotting logs, and frog's eggs (lines 145-154). In contrast, New York is depicted as a magnificent city with diverse attractions like the Conservatory Garden and the rolling land around Cleopatra's Needle.

While perceived as safe, the suburbs instill fear and unease in the protagonist due to silence and presence of animals in the woods. On the other hand, New York is portrayed as an enchanting wonderland for children to grow up in, offering playful fountains during summer compared to country friends who have mail-order swing sets and plastic kiddy pools (lines 168-172).

In essence, one of the central themes explored in this essay is where it would be optimal for a child to spend their formative years and experience growth.

The author reflects on her childhood in New York City and describes it as an exhilarating experience. However, there is a common belief that children have a more favorable upbringing in the suburbs. From my perspective, both choices have their pros and cons. Growing up in a bustling metropolis introduces a child to diverse cultures, which can be beneficial. Nevertheless, they may also witness early exposure to crime, alcoholism, and violence. Nonetheless, individuals raised in New York typically possess a more inclusive mindset towards those who are unlike them compared to kids brought up in suburban regions.

The main focus

of the text is the connection between society and nature, as shown through the protagonist's fascination with Central Park. The essay's title, "My Little Bit of Country," is explained by a quote from Andy Warhol found on page 9, lines 140-144. Warhol states that living in the city allows him to find a small piece of country, whereas there is no part of the city in the country. Central Park symbolizes this small part of country for the protagonist. In Denmark's era of industrialization, writers often used a romantic style to express their opposition to urban growth and the decline of nature's beauty. Although this essay was written much later, it offers an interesting perspective on industrialization.

Susan Cheever's enthusiasm for her life in New York may stem from her upbringing during the postwar period, a time when the United States had a strong belief in the future. Growing up in this era likely influenced her perspective on New York from an early age.