Discuss how the structure of the first essay, Upstream, adds and subtracts meaning from the individual passages. Identify instances when the transitions between the passages or their proximity come together to create greater meaning, and instances when the division of a narrative is interruptive.

Oliver’s tale, for example, of walking up a stream (assumedly the namesake of the book) is separated into several short pieces, interspersed with other narratives. Oliver reflects, for example, that all of nature is one, connected and working together. This gives the reader a deeper insight into the significance of her journey through the stream, as they understand her philosophical connection to the forest during her walk. Some of her thoughts are less directly in line, like the opinion she expresses on the importance of exposure to nature in childhood.

What impact did the repetitive descriptions of the seasonal behavior of different animal species have? What did the consistencies in format draw your attention to? The variation?