Phase Essay Response

In the essay “Hooked,” the author manages to describe a phase of his or her life over what seems to be a somewhat long length of time, while also managing to provide vivid descriptions of significant memories which he or she remembers from his fishing phase. The narrator began with an anecdote that is able to interest the reader in his story from the beginning; he or she starts by saying “I see it moving ever so slightly, first to the left and then back to the right. Small ripples emanate from the slightest movement.”  This passage sparks the reader’s interest in the story immediately by making the reader want to know what “it” is talking about.  He or she continues to say “But my adversary (the fish) seems content to tease me, waiting for me to tire of this game.  I never do.” This passage also manages to show the reader that the narrator does not consider fishing as a foolish phase; it is a pastime which he is proud to participate in, which is somewhat uncommon for phases.  After this paragraph, the narrator goes back and describes his equipment, fishing sites, and fishing attire, also providing the reader with a great picture of what the narrator appeared to look like in the next anecdote.  Overall, this was a surprisingly interesting essay which managed to hold my attention throughout the entire essay through its interesting anecdotes.