How does the author of the following extracts use language to convey changes and contrasts in mood and meaning? (A Fable for Tomorrow, first chapter of "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson).

The beginning of the story is outstanding. It is full of fresh breath of nature with its colourful trees, wild animals and blossoming flowers. The description of variety of trees and flowers expands the reader's imagination and adds extra spark to the descriptive element of the story. It is a beautiful start. It is very hard not to notice a peaceful atmosphere, a harmony between animals and nature. The author's use of words is so smooth and flowing it gives a feeling of warmth and pleasure to read.

In the second paragraph of the article everything rapidly changes. From the very first sentence of the extract the reader can sense that something is terribly wrong. The authors use of phrases like "a strange blight", " evil spell" or "shadow of death" warns the reader of the creeping disaster and appalling catastrophe. The situation gets even worse when death is mentioned to happen not just among the cattle but also among people including young children at play.

English: Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring. O...

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The town seems to be covered with darkness and panic of horrendous misfortune that brought so much unhappiness to the innocent souls. The author finishes her second paragraph with "a strange stillness" which is inevitable consequence of any unexpected mass disaster. By mentioning the absence of the birds at feeding stations, absence of their sound or who were moribund, not being able to fly, the writer manages to draw the picture to the reader of stillness, memories of what is now dead.

"A Fable for Tomorrow" is a title that makes you think. It is an excellent reflection of the whole story. The writer's ability to imagine about the possibility of all the misfortunes that might bring so much grief is astonishing. But most of all author's awareness of these imagined tragedies might easily...