Now That Boys Russell Baker Analysis

As this essay suggests, a sixteen year old Russell Baker learns that his ostensibly “boring” professor, Mr. Fleagle, wished to instill his values of the art of writing. That is, the essence of “the essay”, or writing in general, is to properly express the topic that you are passionate about in a manner that is both personal and inviting; invoking strong emotions of one kind or another in the reader. Meanwhile, sticking to the rules of structure, spelling, and grammar are a secondary consideration in this concern. Baker realized that when writing a paper, it doesn’t always have to follow all the rules of writing; he learns that the true art of writing is when he writes from his heart; the meaning of the story, the essence of it. Therefore, finding a connection to your subject or topic, by any reasonable, probable, or logical means is key for an amateur writer.

Finally, this important lesson is learned as Baker is taken by a recollection of emotional importance to him, which he is forced to submit as his essay in class. Mr. Feagle proudly reads the essay, and states the following: “Now that, boys, is an essay, don’t you see. It’s -don’t you see- it’s of the very essence of the essay, don’t you see. Congratulations, Mr.Baker.”(page 63) at which point, the lesson of personal connection and emotional impact of the written word are instilled on Baker. This essay has helped me to learn that passion and personal experience, or revelation of feelings, are what determine the effect of a written-work for the reader. I learned from this essay that sometimes instead of trying to write a perfect paper, that follows all the rules of grammar and writing, I should just write from my