Okefenokee Swamp Essay

Swamps can be seen in various perspectives and can convey different atmospheres associated with the respective swamp. The two passages on the Okefenokee Swamp both convey two different atmospheres and tones for the swamp, almost as if it was two different swamps. The author use of diction, detail and figurative language conveys how the swamp in the first passage is more inviting and safe versus the swamp in the second passage which is displayed in a more malicious tone. The author’s use of diction in the first passage and the second passage regarding the swamp is extremely different from one another. Throughout the first passage the author uses diction such as â€Å"primitive†, â€Å"festooned† and â€Å"exotic† to describe the swamp. The author’s formal tone and word choice helps convey that the swamp is a peaceful and safe environment that is appealing to others as well as to the author. The diction helps support as if the author is trying to persuade others to come to this swamp and enjoy its beauty Unlike the first passage, in the second passage the author uses diction such as â€Å"unfathomable†, â€Å"unconquerable† and â€Å"misery of life† to convey the atmosphere of this swamp. The author sees the swamp in the second passage in a more malicious and dark light that almost seems to be repelling the reader. The tone the author holds is almost as if he is trying to repel the reader from coming and visiting the swamp. It is negative and does not display any of the attributes that are associated with the swamp; instead it is very critical and focuses on all the peculiarities of the swamp. The word choice that is used in both the passages varies from one another and conveys different atmospheres for the swamp. Detail is a major factor throughout the two passages that helps distinguish the swamps in the passages from one another. In the first passage the author uses detail that have positive context such as, â€Å"Saucer-shaped depression of approximately 25 miles wide and 40 miles long that covers an area of more than 600 square miles.† This detail holds a revealing and formal tone that relays a pleasant atmosphere. It also has an alluring tone that persuades the reader to come visit the swamp and explore its vastness. In the second  passage the author uses details such as, â€Å"Four hundred and thirty thousand acres of stinging, biting and boring insects.† Although the second passage is also describing the enormous land size it is presented in a much more malicious and unappealing way. The author uses various literary devices throughout the two passages to show that he appreciates one swamp more than the other. In the first passage the author uses personification to expand and emphasize the beauty of the swamp. It states, â€Å"Exotic flowers. Among them floating hearts. Lilies. And rare orchards abound†, the floating hearts help convey an atmosphere of peace and playfulness that attracts the reader’s attention as well as persuades them to come visit the swamp. In the second passage the author uses a simile to show the distaste and lack of appreciation they held for the second swamp. The author describes the swamp â€Å"like some hellish zoo† almost conveying as if the swamp was every readers nightmare. The figurative language the author uses in the second passage is primarily focused on repelling the reader and persuading them not to come to the swamp and stay in the comforts of their own home. Unlike in the first passage where the figurate language was solely focused on inviting the reader to visit the swamp and enjoy the beauty and serenity the swamp had to offer. The author holds two very different tones when discussing the different swamps. The author uses different devices throughout the passages to create and convey a certain tone for each swamp. In the first passage the swamp is seen as something that holds beauty and is inviting unlike in the second passage where the swamp seems more malicious and repelling. The author uses various levels of diction, detail and figurative language to convey the tone and attitude they had toward each of the respective swamps, almost making it seem as if it were two different swamps entirely.