In continuation after of the first half of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, the
final one-hundred-and-fifty pages or so was worth every second. Although this
book may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to the research-based commentary that
Carson voices, but personally, it was definitely an eye-opener that I
thoroughly enjoyed. It is labeled as “the classic that launched the
Environmental Movement” for a reason.
I’ve seen Carson consistently utilize rhetorical
questions with obvious answers to develop her “matter-of-fact” tone to her
narration. By doing this, she emphasizes the urgency of eradicating the use of
poisons in insecticides such as DDT. In an attempt to encourage the public to
become more concerned with the delayed detriments of the effects of pesticides,
Carson asks rhetorical questions that are directed towards the audience: “Can he
escape a pollution that is now so thoroughly distributed throughout our world?”
(Carson 188). With this question, she solidifies her position in the argument,
convincing her readers to view beyond quick conveniences and see the moral
flaws and possible further deterioration of the environment through human
casualties. Her utilization of rhetorical questions not only unconsciously raise
guilt within the readers but also scrutinize the irony between man’s claim of
being one with nature and their reckless actions taken towards the supposed “enhancement”
of the environment.
By finishing Carson’s revered book, I personally felt the
need to contribute to the preservation of nature. Since it is known to have established
the start to the environmental movement, Carson’s use of rhetorical devices was
and continues to be effective in achieving her purpose.
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