A Nice Place to Visit by Russel Baker - Book Report/Review Example

On "A Nice Place to Visit" by Russel Baker As a columnist for "The New York Times," Russel Baker is an expert and he uses a variety of styles in writing. He knows how and when to use humor or a serious tone. "A Nice Place to Visit" is just one of his many articles about travel and places. Purpose of the Essay From beginning to end, this essay is treated with humor and a light touch which is obviously intended to entertain. However, at a closer look, it is also intended to some extent critique the negative effects of urbanization and industrialization on big cities like New York. The treatment of humor is evident for instance in having the negative behavior or practice of the New Yorkers to be the standard for civilization and development, such as: hysteria, danger, noise, disorder and vandalism. Audience of the Essay The audience of the essay are the New Yorkers not only because Russel Baker is a resident of New York City and a writer of "The New York Times," but because it focuses on the New Yorkers' negative habits and New York's negative characteristics. New York who prides itself to be one of the world's leading cities. The Big Apple, is not a paradise after all. It has traded off so much of itself to achieve its present status. Moreover, it would be easier and more convenient for Baker to make fun and critique his own kind than the other way around. Structure of the Essay The essay is structured in a point-by-point method where each topic and detail that the writer wants to discuss about is presented one at a time with subsequent explanation and illustration. This structure fits well for the writing strategy that Baker uses for it enhances the effect of the message to the audience. It starts off with the thesis statement that compares and contrasts New York with Toronto and then it is followed by the points compared and contrasted which are after all mostly differences. Paragraphs two to four talks of hysteria in New York and courtesy in Toronto; paragraphs five to seven deals with the taxi system; eight is about noise in New York in contrast to Toronto's peace and order; ten and eleven is about garbage and dogs; and twelve to sixteen talks about vandalism. It finally ends with a relief for the New Yorker to be back to New York from a visit to Toronto: It was good to get back to the Big Apple. My coat pocket was bulging with candy wrappers from Toronto and - such is the lingering power of Toronto - it took me two or three hours back in New York before it seemed natural again to toss them into the street (par.17). Thesis Statement The thesis statement is found right at the beginning of the essay in the first paragraph that talks about the comparison and contrast of the cities of New York and Toronto: Having heard that Toronto was becoming one of the continent's noblest cities, we flew from New York to investigate. The next sentence provides a clearer view of what to expect in the following paragraphs: New Yorkers jealous of their city's reputation and concerned about challenges to its stature have little to worry about. The first paragraph containing the thesis statement rendered in irony readily attracts the audience to read further. It is an effective bait for the reader to keep on reading and taking in all that the writer has to give. Subtly the reader is carried away and finds himself/herself affected if not convinced by the writer's intent and line of thinking. Paragraph Organization The paragraphs are effectively organized that the idea presented is clearly explained and elaborated. In this way, each paragraph is as important and effective as the others that removing any one of them would destroy the effect and beauty of the whole thing. Everything is at the right place. Baker masterfully weaved the topics and details together like starting off with courtesy (pars. 1-4) and connecting it to the taxi system (pars. 5-7) followed by peace and order (par. 8). Paragraph nine is a transition that refers back to the main issue under discussion then proceeds to details like cleanliness and vandalism (pars. 10-16). The last paragraph brings a striking illustration and an appropriate closure of the main idea. Topic Sentences The topic sentences are effective as much as the illustration and explanation that follow each. For instance, the expression ""Courtesy" manifests itself in many quaint forms appalling to the New Yorker" (par. 4)is more striking than just saying: Toronto folks are more courteous than the New Yorkers. Transitions The transitions unite the whole essay and make the essay flow smoothly. They play a vital part in the whole essay for they bind the pieces neatly and beautifully together. For example, paragraph nine states: Our criticism went unheeded, such is the torpor with which Toronto pursues true urbanity. The fact appears to be that Toronto has very little grasp of what is required of a great city. This transition connects the first part of the discussion to the next as it emphasizes and strengthens the point that the writer is driving out. Aided with humor, the consistency of the writer's style and approach is remarkable. Style The style is appropriate for it effectively transmits its message clearly and it is so far the most effective way to treat the subject that may have appeared ordinary and unimportant to the audience. By employing this method, the reader is subtly rebuked and made aware of the things taken for granted while being entertained. The response to and the acceptance of the message is then made more pleasant than repulsive. Impact of the Essay It is an eye-opener. The last paragraph makes me laugh out loud and yet after some time, I am reminded of how much we have missed along with urbanization and industrialization and how dearly we have to pay for our indifference and complacency. We are merely reaping what we sow. Additional Resources New York has always been regarded as the Big Apple- it is just like "a little heaven down here" by many from all over the world. Who would not wish to be in New York by the way The name Toronto is not as popular as New York. It would not be surprising to hear somebody remark about Toronto with questions like: "Where is that" and "What's in there" This essay brings to the reader's attention the valuable things that New York has lost and the many things that make life even more worthwhile that Toronto possesses such as courtesy, peace and order, cleanliness and safety. (Note: Please add your Team's reaction and answer to Numbers 9 and 10 as I cannot speak on your behalf. Thanks.) References Baker, Russel. "A Nice Place to Visit." Baker, Russel. 1982. "Nantucket: Sufficient Unto Itself." The New York Times. (03 June 2008). Essay Writing. (04 June 2008). Read More