Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Earth Without People


Derek Frauendorfer
Ms. Morrell
English IV
4 October 2012
Earth Without People
            The concept of this essay was different and interesting, but what really draws the reader in is the exuberant imagery.  One often thinks of the creations of man as dull and rigid compared to the rest of the world.  This idea was actually very well exemplified in this essay.  Alan Weisman used very colorful adjectives to allow you to feel like you were a part of his “Earth Without People”.  He described nature and civilization with great detail, differentiating the two very well.  Imagery was important in this work because it allows people to truly feel a difference between Earth with and Earth without people. 
            An example of Alan Weisman’s use of imagery is when he is describing Earth with people and says that the Earth has “overheated air”.  This is imagery because it allows one’s mind to feel and understand the issue of overheated air on Earth.  Another example of imagery is when Alan Weisman is referring to the animals that inhabit the DMZ in which he speaks of “dazzling white squadrons of red-crowned cranes”.  These colors allow you to imagine the crane as it is even if you have never heard of it or seen it before.  Another example of imagery is used when Weisman is describing the vegetation that would appear in New York City after humans had left Earth.  He says “Sweet carrots would quickly devolve to their wild form…” which allows you to realize the significance of Earth’s transformation when something as simple and delicious as sweet carrots would cease to exist.  

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