The Nature of the Everglades - A discussion on Marjory Douglas' excerpt

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II. The Grass 

The author paints a very clear picture of the grass in the Everglades. I believe she is trying to personify the saw grass and make it come to life. She states that the saw grass is "so simple, so enduring, so hostile". I believe she is saying that the saw grass is simple because of the way it looks. Saw grass is basically sharp grass that can cut you. So hostile because again it can cut you. It's enduring because of the way it grows on top of decay. Each layer of decay is a little piece of history. Ashes, marks of fire or lightning are some of the signs of history each layer contains.

 III. The Water 

The author explains how the water in the Everglades is formed and it's climate. She explains how the water comes from the rain and how logically it falls so that it is supplied where it is needed. Furthermore, she explains how all the seasons blend together and that in that area no extreme temperatures exist. I believe she again is trying to have the water in the Everglades come to life. She states that everything comes together to let the waters flow and bring life to the Everglades. All the marshes and lakes that contribute to the water that holds life in the Everglades are battling against our water usage. I believe she's attempting to say that the Everglades are struggling to survive because of us and that we are destroying the beautiful life that flourishes in the Everglades.

IV. The Rock 

The author describes the rock as the guardian of the water, grass and life of the Everglades. She states that the sea and the lakes have shaped this rock. She also states how fascinating it is that the way the rock was made to help life flourish and protect it. I believe the author is trying to help the reader understand how everything comes together in this section. The rock is the reason the water and the grass exist and flourish in what we call the Everglades. She's trying to show how everything worked together, every tiny detail, to help each other grow in harmony - one helping the other.