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I have recently delved into excerpts from two distinct literary works: 'The Sea Around Us' by Rachel Carson, classified as an informational text, and 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne, classified as a literary piece. The focus of this exploration lies in the vivid portrayal of the ocean within these excerpts, prompting the ongoing debate regarding whether vivid details find a more resonant expression in informational or literary texts. Personally, I find that the ocean is depicted more vividly in the extract from 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.'
Arguably, Jules Verne's depiction of the ocean in 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' surpasses Rachel Carson's in 'The Sea Around Us.' When engaged with Verne's narrative, there's an immersive quality that transports readers into the oceanic realm.
The strength of imagery lies in the meticulous detail provided. For instance, when M. Aronnax describes the coral kingdom, he paints a vivid picture: "I was tempted to gather their fresh petals, ornamented with delicate tentacles, some just blown, the others budding, while small fish, swimming swiftly, touched them slightly like flights of birds." Here, the author masterfully captures the essence of the coral petals, noting their varying states and the dynamic interaction with the small fish.
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The level of detail extends to the effect of lamp light on the ocean, described as producing "magical effects, following the rough outlines of the natural arches, and pendants disposed like lusters, that were tipped with points of fire." Verne goes beyond a simple description, delving into the visual impact of light on natural formations like arches and pendants, elevating the reader's sensory experience.
On the contrary, Rachel Carson's 'The Sea Around Us' leans more towards information delivery than immersive imagery.
The emphasis is on conveying facts rather than stimulating the reader's imagination. An instance is when the author elucidates the evolution of ocean life: "From simple, one-celled creatures, others that were aggregations of specialized cells arose, and then creatures with organs for feeding, digesting, breathing, reproducing." The focus is on functionality and evolutionary processes, providing readers with informative content. However, the drawback lies in the lack of vivid imagery that can evoke a mental picture comparable to Verne's descriptions. The reader is presented with a clear understanding of the creatures' organ development, but the visual experience is comparatively limited.
Jules Verne's strength in vividly describing the ocean extends beyond mere imagery. Notably, the author excels in the art of comparisons, enabling readers to visualize and comprehend the underwater world. For instance, when describing the small fish, Verne draws a compelling parallel: "...while small fish, swimming swiftly, touched them slightly like flights of birds." This comparison not only vividly describes the appearance of the small fish but also emphasizes their swift and bird-like movements. Another instance is Verne's depiction of the abundance of coral in the ocean: "Coral is sold for twenty pounds per ounce and in this place the water beds would make the fortunes of a company of coral divers." By associating the value of coral with monetary worth, Verne effectively communicates the sheer volume of coral present. These comparisons enhance the reader's understanding and contribute to a more detailed and engaging portrayal of the oceanic environment.
In contrast, 'The Sea Around Us' by Rachel Carson falls short in the realm of comparisons and visual details. When describing mysterious borderline forms, Carson employs a vague characterization: "not quite plants, not quite animals." The lack of specificity diminishes the impact of the description, leaving readers with a generalized understanding. Carson's approach is more factual than illustrative, offering information but lacking the vivid imagery that enhances the reader's connection to the oceanic setting. Additionally, Carson's description of the sponges growing on the ocean floor is straightforward: "Sponges grew on the rocky bottom of the sea’s edge and coral animals built their habitations in warm, clear waters." While conveying information about the sponges and coral, the description lacks the visual intricacies found in Verne's work, providing a broad portrayal of the ocean's temperature and the composition of its floor.
Admittedly, some may argue in favor of Rachel Carson's descriptive prowess. For instance, Carson's portrayal of sponges on the ocean floor includes a mention of the temperature: "Sponges grew on the rocky bottom of the sea’s edge and coral animals built their habitations in warm, clear waters." However, this description is relatively broad, focusing on the warmth and clarity of the water without delving into nuanced visual details. Carson's depiction of the ocean bottom as rocky is less elaborate compared to Verne's detailed portrayal of coral formations, where the outlines and arches are vividly described. In essence, while Carson provides valuable information, the level of visual detail does not match the immersive quality achieved by Jules Verne.
Ultimately, the debate over the efficacy of oceanic descriptions in 'The Sea Around Us' and 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' elicits diverse opinions. Nevertheless, the comparisons, visual details, and imagery embedded in Jules Verne's 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' contribute to a clearer and more engaging visualization of the ocean. While Rachel Carson effectively imparts information in 'The Sea Around Us,' the depth of visual detail is not as pronounced. Jules Verne's meticulous descriptions and artful comparisons create a narrative that immerses the reader in the intricacies of the ocean, solidifying the notion that 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' surpasses 'The Sea Around Us' in the vivid portrayal of the oceanic world.
Comparing Oceanic Depictions: 'Sea Around Us' vs '20,000 Leagues'. (2016, Apr 02). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-sea-around-us-by-rachel-carson-essay
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