The Obligation to EndureBy: Rachel Carson

Presented By: Rachael Albright and Amanda Wess

Abou

t the

Aut

hor

Born in 1907, died in 1964Graduated from Pennsylvania College for Women in 1929 but received her MA in zoology

from John Hopkins University in 1932.Silent Spring was

published in 1962 which helped launched the modern environmentalism

movement

Intro

duct

ion

“The history of life on earth has been a history of interaction between living things and their surroundings”(241).

Main Points: With research Carson speaks of the dangers that humans cause by using chemicals in their lives which relates to labor, insects, and life itself.

Rese

arch

Carson states that 500 new chemicals annually enter into the U.S from laboratories.Chemicals used in

“man’s war against nature”Deadlier chemicals are

always developed.

Her C

laim

s

Carson accuses humans of

destroying the world by spraying chemicals onto earth soil which results in

pollution.Not a “mythical situation”

it’s the real world and when

thinking of control think of

methods that don’t destroy

humans along with insects.Unused knowledge about

the insect problem

Her E

ndin

g Cl

aim

Page 248Put chemicals into the wrong handsChemicals have been

used without proper knowledgeAwareness is limited

Thesis: The Obligation to endure gives us the right to know.

Thin

gs to

Kee

p in

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nd

This passage is Carson’s research and evidence that

she turned into published

writing with a persuasive tone.

Published in 1962, so think

of all that has changed to

our earth and environment.The history of life on earth.

What does the obligation to

endure mean?

Debate; For and Against

How have human beings affected life on earth? Are humans the main reason for environmental

changes? Why or why not? Are chemicals such as the ones spoken about in

this passage useful? General Question for all: How do you think Rachel

Carson would react to our world and environment today?

Iden

tity

Who are we?Where do we live?What do we all have in common?Carson speaks for all

human life.The obligation to suffer is the right to know.