Article: Rachel Louise Carson (1907-1964)

Questions for Discussion

1. How did DDT come to be so depended upon in the United States and Canada? Why were alternative pesticides not used?

2. Why is time a key factor in dealing with the effects of pesticides?

3. According to Carson, what are the central problems of our age? Why are these problems central? Why is Carson so concerned about these problems?

4. What problems did pesticides solve? What new problems were created when pesticides began to be used?

5. How does Carson balance alarmist phrases such as "chain of evil" (paragraph 2) and "impetuous and heedless pace of man" (paragraph 4) with the calm language of a scientist?

6. Describe Carson's tone: Is it calm? demanding? concerned? Point to words and phrases that exhibit this tone.

7. Is Carson an alarmist? Is this essay, first published in 1962, still relevant today?

Questions for Reflection and Writing

1. List Carson's main and supporting points, writing an outline if you want. Study how she puts together her argument, and consider how you might apply a similar technique to an argumentative paper.

2. What is your reaction to Carson's essay? What pesticides should be used, if any? Should all pesticides be banned? How should farmers ensure that their crops are not destroyed by insects and disease? How should environmentalists ensure that the environment is not destroyed?

3. What countries continue to use DDT? What is being done in those countries to curb the use of this and other dangerous pesticides? Or do you think no pesticides should be banned? Research the use and subsequent banning of DDT and other pesticides in the United States. Report objectively on your findings, or take a stand and write a documented opinion essay.