Rhetorical Analysis Of 'Who Owns The River?'

In 1995, Robert Leo Heilman published his autobiography Overstory: Zero, and in his book there is a chapter named “Who Owns the River?”. Heilman uses a familiar tone to make his audience feel at home while reading his work, something that works exceptionally well for people who live in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, like Heilman did. A friendly atmosphere is made while reading Heilman’s chapter, something that is scarce in works of literature. Heilman also uses many strategic tactics to keep his chapter interesting and to keep his audience reading. In “Who Owns the River?”, Heilman creates a noticeable thesis by telling his audience that things do not exist as isolated parts and that humans often take small treasures for granted. Heilman uses the Umpqua …show more content…
Heilman also does an exceptional job of explaining his thoughts throughout the chapter. After saying that he takes the river for granted, Heilman tells his readers about a trip that his family took to Los Angeles, and in the distance there is a large concrete object. Heilman’s son asks what the object is and Heilman replies by telling his son that it is the Los Angeles River; or what used to be a river, and is now a storm drain. The author uses that story to explain how society takes things for granted and how people see the world as a resource that can be shaped and molded into whatever they decide it should be. When Heilman told his son that the storm drain was a river, the audience was as confused and surprised as his son was; Heilman’s statement was a good tactic to keep his readers …show more content…
Throughout the chapter it seems as if Heilman is merely curious, not judgmental, about other people’s choices. The neutral aura that comes from the chapter makes Heilman’s work easier and more interesting to read; the readers can develop their own opinions and ideas without influence. Instead of stating blunt opinions about society to shape his reader’s thoughts, the author asks questions and offers ideas to his audience. When Heilman takes the topic of ownership, he begins by questioning who owns the Umpqua River. Heilman asks, “Who owns the Umpqua?”, and gives a list of people who claim to take ownership of the river, then concludes by asking if anyone can really own a river (Heilman 139). The title of the chapter is even a question; “Who Owns the River?”. Heilman wanted to draw his readers in before they began reading the chapter. The tactic of asking the audience questions makes for a more stimulating chapter and a more creative