Topic > Rachel Carson's Use of Rhetorical Techniques in The Silent Spring

As humans attempt to control nature, their own actions lead to immense consequences for themselves and the environment. Rachel Carson, an American author and scientist, details the damage of pesticides and the impact of humans on the environment in her non-fiction novel Silent Spring. Its aim is to convince its readers to learn about the problems of insecticides and to be more aware of the environment. 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayCarson begins the first chapter by describing a fictional, picturesque American town that is suddenly struck by a mysterious illness. The city deteriorates compared to how it was before, with sick people and dying animals. The author reveals that “people did it on their own” and that the same situation is already occurring in many places across the country. The second chapter explains that the changes in the environment have been “relatively slight” and that only humans have the power to drastically alter their surroundings. Carson points out that humanity's progress in recent centuries has led to the "contamination of the air, land, rivers and sea with dangerous and even lethal materials." He then provides reasons why pesticides are ineffective, such as “destructive insects often experience a 'flare-up' or resurgence, after spraying, in greater numbers than before.” The author explains various factors that prevent alternative solutions from being effective in insect control. The chapter ends with Carson addressing his audience to educate themselves about the environment and seek information to preserve the Earth's future. The author uses emotional appeal to achieve her aim in Silent Spring that insecticides are problematic. Carson describes the chemicals as powerful enough "to kill every insect, the 'good' and the 'bad,' to stop the birds from singing and the fish from leaping in the streams." His description of what pesticides threaten highlights how much damage the chemicals do. Emphasizing that even “good” and “bad” things are affected, the author's words appeal to the integrity of the audience as humans often avoid harming organisms that are beneficial to them. According to her, it is necessary to find solutions so that chemicals "do not destroy us together with insects". Her exaggeration of being "destroyed" by pesticides fuels fear in the public as her statement suggests that pesticides could lead to humans' demise. Carson uses selective word choice to urge his readers to take care of the earth's environment. It claims governments subject people to chemicals without their “consent” and “knowledge” and give the public “little half-truth tranquilizer pills.” The lack of attention and care for public health suggests that the government believes that 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, increasing the audience's desire to understand more about the situation. He also includes the pronouns “we” and “us” when talking about the government's attitude toward citizens. By referring to “we” and “us,” the words create a sense of unity and make the topic more personal to readers as everyone is affected. The author's use of words makes the environmental situation appear much more.