Question

7 The dim old ruins of Europe, so eagerly sought after by travelers, have something pleasing about them, whatever their historical associations. They at least lend some beauty to the landscape. Their picturesque towers and arches seem to be kindly adopted by nature and planted with wildflowers and wreathed with ivy. Their rugged angles are soothed and freshened and embossed with green mosses, fresh life and decay mingling in pleasing measures. The old ruins of the East have also served their time, and like the weather-beaten mountains, are wasting harmoniously. The same is in some degree true of the dead mining towns of California.What makes the ruins in Europe different from the ruins of mining towns in Nevada? (paragraph 7)

Answer 1

The ruins in Europe differ from the ruins of mining towns in Nevada primarily in their historical context and aesthetic appeal. European ruins are often seen as picturesque and are integrated into the landscape in a way that enhances natural beauty, featuring elements like wildflowers, ivy, and moss which create a sense of harmony between nature and history. These ruins carry rich historical associations and evoke a sense of romance and nostalgia.

In contrast, the dead mining towns of Nevada lack this historical grandeur and aesthetic integration. They are primarily seen as remnants of economic activity rather than as cherished historical sites. The emphasis on beauty and historical significance is much stronger in the European context, while the mining ruins may be perceived as desolate remnants of a past boom, lacking the same level of charm and natural incorporation.