Silent Spring Book Evaluation

Brutney Gousse

Professor Santos

English 102-016

October 9, 2017

Silent Spring Evaluation

In Rachel Carson's historical novel, Silent Spring she uses an analytical approach to raise awareness on pest control and how these hazardous chemicals are affecting the natural world.  Carson makes us readers ponder on  if we were to have a “ Silent Spring’’, as the title conveys. The silence comes from many forests and natural life that has been infected by chemicals, which would eventually  kill off the songbirds,insects and other organisms in the springtime.This book touches on the “ environmental movement” but also the controversial ideas within science. Topics regarding chemical warfare, businesses that are making profit off these harsh chemicals knowing the effect it may have, and the overall arguments that involve which direction should consumers take in efforts in preventing further contamination and devastation.

She exerts in lots of detailed research her findings, which makes her arguments very persuasive and understandable. According to the Journal of Substantial Studies at the University of North Alabama, Rachel Carson “... she uses a direct voice, limited footnotes,and simple language with strong meanings to create a text that easily accessible to readers who lack a deep science background”(Brandi H. Johnson University of North Alabama). I agree with this statement, but also would like to add on that she writes Silent Spring having a personal connection and ties too it. In certain chapters in this book she spoke on the long term effects after being constantly exposed to these harsh chemicals.The exposure to the hazardous waste  can cause cancerous diseases, while she in fact had cancer as said in her documentary. Carson indicates that during this time (1960s), she felt like it was her responsibility to acknowledge and educate the importance of circulating information from scientists to the general public.
I would suggest this book to anyone with an interest in the environment and or planet in general. I would also say that Silent Spring is a great book for anyone who lacks understanding or techniques on ways to prevent further pollutants ruining the environment. The novel, Silent Spring is a memorable, and inspirational book nevertheless. It reiterates the crucial importance that, “ we must change our philosophy, abandon our attitude of human superiority and admit that in many cases in natural environments we find ways and means of limiting population of organisms in a more economical way then we can do it ourselves”( Rachel Carson).