Brush Fire Vs Santa Ana Essay

Wild fires and the Santa Ana winds are a harsh reality of life in California, and they have a profound effect on those who are afflicted by them. “Brush Fire” and “The Santa Ana” are both pieces that touch upon this perpetually pertinent topic. California-native Linda Thomas, takes an accusatory approach to the topic, blaming the humans for their own destruction in the wild fires, as it was they who made the choice to build in the path of a natural phenomenon. Another California-born author, Joan Didion, on the other hand, portrays these same wild fires and Santa Ana winds as evil forces that destroy all in their way. While these two authors have very different overall perspectives, the basic rhetorical strategies they employ are similar. Thomas introduction is written from a personal perspective, describing how “[she] awoke to air so dry that the graze of [her] nightgown against the down comforter created tiny orange sparks,” and how “[she has] a roaring sinus headache.” She describes how “[she finds herself] beneath a smoky sky the color of fire.” This first paragraph serves to draw the reader into the piece and establish the subject matter. The use of a personalized description puts the reader into the author’s shoes. Additionally, it causes …show more content…
Thomas describes the chaparral in detail, first by defining the word, then by listing off the various plants that are found within it. While maintaining her artistic and fluid tone, Thomas informs the reader about chaparral, allowing him to have a firm understanding of the subject. In “The Santa Ana,” Didion carries her dark and urgent tone throughout her informative description of the Santa Ana winds; she lists headline after headline of the disasters caused by the Santa Ana winds. This portion of the piece is especially effective in conveying her message that these winds are a destructive