One Man's Meat

What are the motifs in One Man's Meat by E. B. White?

Asked by
Last updated by Cat
1 Answers
Log in to answer

The circle of life is a recurring idea in the story. White is a man who enjoys an orderly existence as exhibited by his constant straightening of rugs and pictures in the house. He also likes his thoughts to be orderly and it helps him to write better. But most of all, White enjoys the order and passage of time that he witnesses on his farm. This includes not only the birthing of animals and baby chicks, but also the pastures covered with snow and the return of songbirds each spring. This Circle of Life is very gratifying to White and brings him comfort as he learns the things that remain constant in a dramatically changing world.