65 pages 2 hours read

John McPhee

The Control of Nature

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1989

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Essay Topics

1.

What does “the control of nature” mean in the context of the book? Cite examples from each of the book’s three essays to build your argument.

2.

How does McPhee employ literary devices like simile and metaphor to explain complex scientific concepts? Use at least three quotes from the book to build your argument.

3.

1.  Discuss the role of the Army Corps of Engineers in the book. What do McPhee and the other characters think of the Army’s efforts to control nature? Use 3-4 examples from the book to build your argument.