The Control of Nature

How does McPhee employ literary devices like simile and metaphor to explain complex scientific concepts? Use at least three quotes from the book to build your argument.

1.  Discuss the role of the Army Corps of Engineers in the book. What do McPhee and the other characters think of the Army’s efforts to control nature? Use 3-4 examples from the book to build your argument.

McPhee interviews many interesting individuals for this book. How does McPhee convey the personality and status of these individuals through character descriptions, actions, and dialogue? What is the purpose of providing detailed information about these characters? Use 3-4 specific quotes and/or anecdotes from the book to build your argument.

Compare and contrast two of the book’s three essays. How do the efforts to control nature differ between the areas depicted, and how are they similar? Use 3-4 specific quotes/anecdotes from the book to build your argument.

How does human psychology factor into the decision to control nature? Cite 3-4 specific examples—at least one from each of the book’s three essays—to build your argument. 

McPhee often shifts into first-person point of view in the book. How does the reader benefit from seeing these stories through McPhee’s eyes? Cite 3-4 specific examples—at least one from each of the book’s three essays—to build your argument.

Humans and nature seem to be pitted against each other in much of the book. Does the book also make a case for adapting to nature? Use 3-4 specific quotes/anecdotes from the book to build your argument.

The book often shifts in time—years, decades, and even centuries. How does McPhee structure these shifts in time? Moreover, how does McPhee effectively use these time jumps to tell his story? Use 3-4 examples to build your argument.