"Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” had a huge impact on what the American people thought about the use of DDT. Her book was very successful in raising the awareness of what DDT was actually doing to the environment. I believe the biggest reason “Silent Spring” had such an impact is because she carefully thought about who her audience was going to be. Not only did she appeal to the scientific community, she also translated those scientific terms and statements into sentences anyone could read. In doing so, she successfully reached the general public, and enabled them to be educated on subject. She gave them the opportunity to take a stand for what they believed to be right. Another reason I think her book was successful is the introduction she decided to use. Sometimes giving the reader a mental picture can be more useful than diving right into the scientific terms of the subject matter.