Read the excerpt from Silent Spring.

Question

The roadsides, once so attractive, were now lined with browned and withered vegetation as though swept by fire.

In this excerpt, the phrase
“withered vegetation”
best shows the author’s tone of despair.

Answer 1

Yes, the phrase “withered vegetation” effectively conveys the author’s tone of despair. It suggests a sense of loss and decay, indicating that the once vibrant and lively environment has been severely harmed. This imagery evokes feelings of sadness and urgency about the negative impacts of environmental changes and human actions, which is a central theme in "Silent Spring." The use of “withered” implies that the plants are not only dead but also traces a trajectory of decline, highlighting the consequences of neglect and exploitation of nature.