Impact of Santa Ana Winds on Human Behavior

Joan Didion delves into the profound and intricate impact of the Santa Ana winds on individuals, asserting that these winds induce peculiar behaviors and create a negative ambiance. Throughout her narrative, Didion employs a consistently negative and uneasy tone, coupled with vivid imagery and specific diction, to articulate her disapproval of the Santa Ana winds and their profound effects on human behavior.

Unveiling the Atmospheric Shift

Didion commences her exploration by vividly painting a detailed picture of the Los Angeles air, evoking a palpable sense of impending change: "There is something uneasy in the Los Angeles air this afternoon, some unnatural stillness, some tension…" (1-2).

The deliberate periodic structure of this sentence heightens the impact, gradually revealing Didion's argument to the reader. By skillfully employing tactile and visual imagery, she sets the stage for an in-depth examination of the transformative nature the Santa Ana winds bring.

The initial two lines establish an atmosphere of mystery and unease, skillfully mirroring Didion's assertion that the Santa Ana prompts distinctive changes in people.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified writer

Proficient in: Earthquake

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

The mention of stillness and uneasiness in the air provides valuable insight into the altering environmental conditions. Closing the first paragraph, Didion boldly declares, "to live the Santa Ana is to accept consciously or unconsciously, a deeply mechanistic view of human behavior" (14-16). This assertive declaration underscores her firm belief that the winds impose a strange and negative effect on individuals, shaping their behavior whether they acknowledge it or not.

Moreover, Didion's meticulous choice of words enhances the reader's understanding of the atmospheric shift.

Words such as "unnatural stillness" and "tension" evoke a sense of foreboding, effectively conveying the impending influence of the Santa Ana winds. The deliberate use of sensory language, like "unnatural stillness," engages the reader's senses and fosters a deeper connection to Didion's perspective.

Human Response to the Winds

In the subsequent paragraph, Didion delves further into the alterations in human behavior during the Santa Ana: "My only neighbor would not come out of her house for days… and her husband roamed the place with a machete" (25-27). The continued sense of unease and mystery prompts the reader to question the motivations behind such seemingly extreme behavior. This narrative effectively aligns with Didion's thesis that the Santa Ana has a transformative effect on individuals, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Furthermore, Didion introduces a layer of complexity by exploring the psychological nuances of human behavior under the influence of the Santa Ana. By providing a specific example of a neighbor avoiding contact and another wielding a machete, she invites the reader to contemplate the profound impact these winds have on interpersonal relationships and individual actions.

Didion's diction maintains a consistently negative undertone when describing the Santa Ana: "The heat was surreal. The sky had a yellow cast, the kind of light sometimes called earthquake weather" (23-25). The use of "surreal" conveys the intense and almost otherworldly nature of the heat, appealing to the reader's senses. Additionally, associating the weather with earthquakes introduces a negative connotation, as earthquakes are universally recognized as natural disasters. This deliberate linguistic choice serves to underscore Didion's aversion to the Santa Ana and its influence on the surrounding environment.

Physiological and Psychological Effects

Transitioning to the third paragraph, Didion broadens her exploration to encompass the physiological and psychological impacts of the Santa Ana. Quoting Raymond Chandler, she suggests a deep connection between the winds and violent tendencies: "every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husband’s necks" (31-33). This carefully chosen quote serves to intensify the unease felt by the reader, hinting at the potential for violent outcomes during the Santa Ana.

Moreover, Didion draws intriguing parallels between the Santa Ana and foehn winds in European countries, emphasizing their shared negative effects on human well-being: "whenever and wherever a foehn blows, doctors hear about headaches, and nausea, and allergies, about nervousness and depression" (46-48). This medical perspective accentuates the tangible physiological repercussions of these winds. Additionally, she notes that in Switzerland, the suicide rate increases during the foehn, with some courts considering the wind as a mitigating circumstance for crime (51-53). This revelation delves into the profound psychological impact, suggesting a link between the winds and an elevated risk of self-harm and criminal behavior.

Furthermore, Didion's exploration of the psychological effects extends beyond the immediate context, prompting the reader to reflect on the broader implications of environmental factors on mental health. The mention of increased suicide rates during the foehn underscores the gravity of the Santa Ana's influence, urging readers to consider the intricate interplay between atmospheric conditions and individual well-being.

Conclusion: Understanding Didion's Perspective

In conclusion, Joan Didion vehemently expresses her belief that the Santa Ana winds exert a negative and transformative influence on individuals. Her persistent negative and uneasy tone, coupled with descriptive imagery and carefully chosen diction, effectively conveys her disapproval of these winds. By skillfully exploring the alterations in human behavior and citing the parallel effects in European countries, Didion presents a comprehensive view of the Santa Ana's impact. The physiological and psychological implications she highlights underscore the seriousness of the winds, aligning with her assertion that they reveal a "mechanistic view of human behavior." In essence, Didion's portrayal invites readers to contemplate the intricate relationship between environmental factors and human psychology, urging a deeper understanding of the subtle yet profound influences that shape our behavior.