Once, when we were walking together on a campus outside the city, a chipmunk zipped across our path and dove into a hole at the base of an oak tree. Oh, look at that, she said. Just like Walt Disney.
In "Sempre Susan," Sigrid Nunez reflects on a memorable moment shared with the iconic writer Susan Sontag while strolling through a campus. During their walk, a chipmunk swiftly darted across their path and disappeared into a hole at the base of an oak tree. This whimsical encounter prompted Sontag to draw a charming comparison to the animated world of Walt Disney.
This brief incident captures not only the spontaneity of nature but also Sontag's playful perspective. It highlights her ability to find joy and inspiration in simple moments, reminiscent of childhood experiences and the enchantment associated with Disney stories.