Journal Entry #6


Our discussion about the writings of Edward Abbey was quite interesting. The change in writing style from some of the other authors we have been discussing was quite intriguing. His inner dialogue allowed the reader to hear his thoughts and understand his thinking and methodologies rather than purely observational. I found the style more engaging to read through and enjoyed myself more while reading. The humorous aspects were a welcomed refresher throughout the passage. The sarcasm and jokes he made kept the audience invested in what he was going to say or discuss next. The relatability of some of the sarcasm allowed the reader to find a little bit of themselves within his humor. Additionally, the detail he used to describe various scenarios created some moments of shock and astonishment. While often exaggerations in order to prove a point, it was a skillful tactic to ensure that the reader is paying attention. I found myself reading a few lines multiple to ensure that I had read them correctly. Reading the passages we did felt more like a casual, pleasurable reading experience rather than an assignment. Out of all of the authors we have reviewed so far, his style was the most similar to authors I would read in my spare time. Finally, his loyalty to animals and his surrounding environment, rather than humans was a refreshing perspective. The quote discussing his compatibility and friendship with the snakes broke down the barriers of the superiority complex humans often have when discussing the natural world.



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