Rhetorical Analysis of a Text

The Obligation to Endure

The book Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, set a new argumentative platform for the use of dangerous chemicals in the world. As a major environmental activist of her time, Carson also speaks out against how humans have treated the world, and how they
act as human beings with respect to their environment. The world changes that were occurring at this time may have influenced Carson’s reasons for publishing this book because of the developing culture and society.

In the beginning of this chapter, Carson uses a lot of eye-opening facts about our
impact on the environment. She uses these statements to catch the reader’s attention, and
make them aware of the theme of the chapter, similar to a thesis statement. She also
describes the danger that we have put our environment in, and how this danger effects us as human beings.

To argue her point, Carson uses a noticeable amount of emotional appeal. For example, when she poetically says “...to still the song of birds and the leaping of fish in the streams, to coat the leaves with a deadly film, and to linger on in the soil...” one can form a picture of a polluted, dirty stream or field with no wildlife. This is definitely not appealing to her readers, so it advocates proper conservational care. In addition to this, Carson writes about how humans have waged a “war” against some forms of wildlife. She explains how insects have become immune to a particular insecticide used. Thus, we develop a more deadly chemical to fight them. The way she writes this segment gives sympathy in the insects’ favors.

Carson also employs some logical appeals in this chapter. Although she strongly advocates the proper use of chemicals, she does not say that they should not be used at all, “It is not my contention that chemical insecticides must never be used”. She also supports her claims by predicting future occurrences, and facts from the situations at that time.

Rachel Carson uses both emotional and logical appeals poetically to communicate with her audience. Although she strongly stands for a point, she does not completely advocate for the dismissal of insecticides. Her mission is to inform the audience at that time of the dangers they were putting themselves and nature in, as well as advocate for future generations and build a better tomorrow.

Citation:
Carson, Rachel. "The Obligation to Endure." The Informed Argument. Ed. Robert K. Miller and Robert P. Yagelski. 6th ed. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, 2004. 420-6.