Lillian Lawrence-Paine

St. John
AP Lang
6 January 2016
Louv Analysis Essay

In the passage from Richard Louvs book Last Child in the Woods, Louv claims that the
newest generation is missing out because nature is being replaced by a more artificial reality.
Louv uses comparisons, rhetorical question, and persuasive diction to support his thesis that
children are being deprived of nature. His intended audience is parents and future parents who
have the power to let their children experience nature rather than become immersed in the
alternative reality of media.
Louvs powerful diction exemplifies how far weve gotten from nature. He uses the word
simulating which shows the inherent falseness of what they are seeing. It isnt really nature,
its just trying to appear like it. He uses the word irrelevance to show the true severity of
whats going on. He wants the readers to see what a big problem this actually is. The diction used
strengthens Louvs argument that the natural world shouldnt be replaced. The words chosen add
to the persuasive tone of the piece and emphasize the importance of his claim.
Louv poses the rhetorical question why do so many Americans say they want their
children to watch less TV, yet continue to expand the opportunities for them to watch it?, so that
the audience can reexamine their own logic behind allowing absurd amounts of media

consumption. Louv simply wants people to think about the way they approach this problem and
maybe change their thought process. When he follows up one rhetorical question with another,
why do so many people no longer consider the physical world worth watch?, It solidifies his
stance against the replacement of nature with screens. This strategy allows for self-reflection
which can change the behaviors of the readers and motivate them to return to the way things
should be.
Lastly, Louv uses a comparison to better his argument. He compares the landscape that he
saw looking out the window as a child to a drive-by movie. This shows the audience of parents
looking to keep their children occupied that there are alternatives and reminds them of their own
childhood experience. It makes them think if we went without technology, why cant our
children? Louves comparison is thought provoking and insightful.
In the passage Louve uses effective comparisons, rhetorical questions, and diction to get
his audience thinking and maybe even adjusting their lifestyles. He truly is convincing in his
argument that the youngest generation is missing out when nature is replaced with technology.