Tow #2 - Growing Up (1st Half - Russell Baker)

In his memoir, Growing Up, Russell Baker looks back on his childhood and attempts to make sense of the major events that affected him. Contextually, he is now able to understand more deeply the major figures of his early years, including his mother, father, and grandmother. In the novel’s first half, he describes his Virginia origins and how his father’s death forced his mother to move the family to New Jersey. Once there, Baker experiences firsthand the effects of the Great Depression. As an acclaimed American author celebrated for his wit, his ethos is apparent. With his Pulitzer Prize and first person point of view, Baker’s credibility is unquestionable. This enhances his purpose, which is to show the new American generation how their nation has changed over the past half-century. As a result, his audience is those who are interested in America’s past childhoods. Baker’s first person point of view allows this audience to understand his perspective on the events explained, which is essential in recognizing the purpose. Baker recalls, upon first hearing of his father’s death, “I was almost certain before I got there that he was. And I was right” (80). It is this point of view that personalizes the story and convinces the reader to continue watching Baker’s life unfold. Similarly, the novel’s sad undertone illuminates Baker’s mixed feelings regarding his childhood. Although he tries to be optimistic, the sad truth is visible when Baker recalls, “My mother...learned that her hope of finding a job...was foolish” (98). This undertone advances his purpose as it shows the difficulties faced by past generations. Finally, Baker uses diction to advance his purpose. He explains, “I hurried back across the road giggling to my mother that colored people ate turtles” (62). The use of the word “giggling” creates a humorous image that adds a lightness to the tale and engages the audience. At the halfway point of the novel, it is clear that Baker does an exemplary job in accomplishing his purpose. Not only does he fully explain his childhood, he does it in an interesting manner that allows his readers to understand how their past differs from that of the author.