The Early Essays Summary

An unnamed narrator introduces the supposed early essays of Woody Allen, noting the similarities of the works to those of Bacon. The narrator suggests that there are no later plays by Allen simply because Allen ran out of observations.

In "On Seeing a Tree in Summer", the fictional Allen humorously considers the motivations and characteristics of a stately elm. "On Youth and Age" has Allen, digressing briefly to ponder mortality, considering the appropriateness of certain behaviors at different stages of life. Next, the author offers financial advice in "On Frugality," where he asserts that money, while it perhaps can't buy happiness, is preferable to being poor, even if one has their health. Allen tackles the topic of romantic love in "On Love" where he concludes that true love requires tenderness, general proximity, a perception of beauty, and a modest...