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  • Essay / Rachel Carson's Use of Rhetorical Techniques in The Silent Spring

    As humans attempt to control nature, their very actions result in immense consequences for themselves and the environment. Rachel Carson, American author and scientist, details the harm of pesticides and the impact of humans on the environment in her non-fiction novel Silent Spring. Its goal is to persuade its readers to learn about the problems of insecticides and to be more environmentally conscious. Carson effectively presents his purpose through an appeal to emotion and diction in the first two chapters of Silent Spring. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Carson begins the first chapter by describing a fictional, picturesque town in America that is suddenly afflicted by a mysterious illness. The city is deteriorating in relation to itself, with people sick and animals dying. The author reveals that “people had done it themselves” and that the same situation is already happening in many places across the country. The second chapter explains that changes in the environment have been "relatively slight" and that only humans have the power to radically alter their environment. Carson points out that humanity's progress over the past few centuries has led to "contamination of the air, land, rivers, and sea with dangerous, even deadly, materials." She then gives reasons why pesticides are ineffective, such as "destructive insects often experience a 'surge' or resurgence, after spraying, in greater numbers than before." The author explains various factors that prevent alternative solutions from being effective in controlling insects. The chapter ends with Carson addressing his audience to learn about the environment and seek information to preserve the future of the Earth. The author uses emotional appeal to achieve his goal in Silent Spring that insecticides are problematic. Carson describes the chemicals as powerful enough "to kill all insects, 'good' and 'bad,' to quiet the singing of birds and the jumping of fish in the streams." His description of the threat posed by pesticides highlights the extent of the damage caused by chemicals. By emphasizing that even "good" and "bad" things are affected, the author's words appeal to the audience's integrity, as humans often avoid harming organisms that benefit them. She says we need to find solutions so that chemicals “don’t destroy us along with the insects.” Her exaggeration of being "destroyed" by pesticides fuels fear in the public, as her statement suggests that pesticides could lead humans to their demise. Carson uses selective word choice to inspire his readers to care about the earth's environment. She claims that governments are subjecting people to chemicals without their “consent” and “knowledge” and feeding the public “little half-real tranquilizing pills.” The lack of care and attention to public health suggests that the government believes people do not need to know if they are affected by insecticides. These words infuriate readers because no one likes to be kept from the truth, thus increasing the audience's desire to better understand the situation. She also includes the pronouns “we” and “we” when discussing the government's attitude toward citizens. By referring to “we” and “our”, the.