Silent Spring

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the book over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. It is Carson’s belief that the public must take action to end environmental destruction.

• What is the strongest rhetorical strategy (e.g., logical arguments, facts and figures, emotional appeals, specific examples, storytelling, or figurative language) that Carson uses to engage the public in her argument? (topic sentence)
• In what specific ways does this strategy strengthen the effect of her argument? Find and incorporate at least 3 examples from various points in the book.
• Considering both the renown and the impact of Silent Spring, evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy in your concluding sentences.

2. While Carson discusses many impacts of pesticides, she chooses to name the book Silent Spring.

• What is the title’s significance, and why might the author have chosen this title? (topic sentence)
• Provide 3 points of evidence from various points in the text to support your argument, each with discussion and examples.
• Is the title effective? Why or why not? Discuss these topics in your concluding sentences.

3. Carson often refers to the irony of humans being put in harm’s way by interventions that they themselves created.

• What factors are at play in keeping humans from understanding the destruction they are causing? (topic sentence)
• Incorporate factual knowledge and personal reactions in at least 3 points to support your idea(s). Cite instances in the text and incorporate discussion on at least one of these themes: Search for a Quick Fix and/or Government Interests.
• In your concluding sentences, evaluate the impact of this irony on the book’s tone and effectiveness.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least 3 main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Choose one of the book’s recurring motifs (e.g., beautiful aspects of nature, children, or money). Locate and review examples of this motif in the book. How does Carson’s use of the motif add to the scientific information she provides? How does her use of the motif help readers connect to the arguments she poses? Do you think Carson’s use of these motifs increases or decreases her credibility? Why? Incorporate the examples you reviewed as supporting evidence.

2. One of the most important arguments in Silent Spring is that much of the natural destruction taking place is the result of people’s attempts to control the environment. Do you agree or disagree with Carson’s argument? Why or why not? Locate examples of this argument in the book and use these examples as supporting evidence. Also, discuss your ideas about what humanity’s relationship with nature should be.

3. Carson argues that humans have become more accepting of poisons since World War II. Has this attitude changed since Silent Spring was published in 1962? If so, in what ways? If not, what factors have allowed that attitude to stay the same? Provide specific information related to current pesticide use and anti-pesticide campaigns to support your discussion.