Suggestions for Writing

1. In imitation of Rachel Carson, write an update of “A Fable for Tomorrow.”

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 12 - from Silent Spring - Suggestions for Writing: In imitation of Rachel Carson, write an update of “A Fable for Tomorrow.”
2. In paragraph 19, Carson says, “Along with the possibility of the extinction of mankind by nuclear war, the central problem of our age has therefore become the contamination of man’s total environment.” Write an essay in which you defend, challenge, or qualify the validity of this statement.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 12 - from Silent Spring - Suggestions for Writing: In paragraph 19, Carson says, “Along with the possibility of the extinction of mankind by nuclear war, the central problem of our age has therefore become the contamination of man’s total environment.” Write an essay in which you defend, challenge, or qualify the validity of this statement.
3. Carson writes in paragraph 35, “Future generations are unlikely to condone our lack of prudent concern for the integrity of the natural world that supports all life.” As a member of one of the generations after Carson’s, write a letter to her, to someone of her generation, or to a polluter of today. In the letter, identify and explain your response to Carson’s statement.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 12 - from Silent Spring - Suggestions for Writing: Carson writes in paragraph 35, “Future generations are unlikely to condone our lack of prudent concern for the integrity of the natural world that supports all life.” As a member of one of the generations after Carson’s, write a letter to her, to someone of her generation, or to a polluter of today. In the letter, identify and explain your response to Carson’s statement.
4. Carson concludes with the words of French biologist and philosopher Jean Rostand: “The obligation to endure gives us the right to know.” Write an essay that defends or challenges Rostand’s claim as it relates to our relationship to the natural world today.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 12 - from Silent Spring - Suggestions for Writing: Carson concludes with the words of French biologist and philosopher Jean Rostand: “The obligation to endure gives us the right to know.” Write an essay that defends or challenges Rostand’s claim as it relates to our relationship to the natural world today.
5. Carson writes in paragraph 34, “If the Bill of Rights contains no guarantee that a citizen shall be secure against lethal poisons distributed either by private individuals or by public officials, it is surely only because our forefathers, despite their considerable wisdom and foresight, could conceive of no such problem.” Imagine that the framers of the Constitution were here today, and write an essay explaining how they might use the Constitution to protect the environment.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 12 - from Silent Spring - Suggestions for Writing: Carson writes in paragraph 34, “If the Bill of Rights contains no guarantee that a citizen shall be secure against lethal poisons distributed either by private individuals or by public officials, it is surely only because our forefathers, despite their considerable wisdom and foresight, could conceive of no such problem.” Imagine that the framers of the Constitution were here today, and write an essay explaining how they might use the Constitution to protect the environment.
6. Considering that Silent Spring was written fifty years ago, should we be optimistic or pessimistic in our attitude toward the preservation of the natural world? As you answer this question, consider what has changed since Carson’s time in our approach toward the environment.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 12 - from Silent Spring - Suggestions for Writing: Considering that Silent Spring was written fifty years ago, should we be optimistic or pessimistic in our attitude toward the preservation of the natural world? As you answer this question, consider what has changed since Carson’s time in our approach toward the environment.