The land has been a vital part of human existence since the dawn of time. Even before the advent of civilization, it was the only thing that mattered to man. Slowly, we learned to manage nature and make it work for us. Today, man has a limited relationship with nature. Roheal Louv writes in the Last Child in the Woods about this sad truth. Louv makes a strong case against man’s captivity of nature by using anecdotes, hypothetical examples, and rhetorical device. Louv makes his case by using an easily understood anecdote. Louv tells the story of his friend being pushed to buy a car multimedia system. He makes it seem like the customer felt the same frustration in his story. The anecdote is made to seem common in order to show that today’s society has a similar attitude towards technology dependence. Louv does not agree with the idea that technology is necessary.

Louv uses juxtaposition in order to continue his negative view of the car-enjoyment anecdote. Louv suggests that his grandchildren will someday hear about a time in which kids used to look out their car windows instead of looking at backseat TV or playing on smartphones. This juxtaposition example’s effectiveness is due to its realistic nature. Louv’s analysis is likely to prove true, even though our grandparents can still recall their childhood without internet or TV. This shockingly realist analysis makes the reader see the urgency of this issue. His description of “fogged” glass/the telephone poles following by/counting horses and cows brings back memories from childhood. He or she is compelled to preserve those memories for future generations. The reader learns that future generations will not experience this same experience if they are separated from nature and humans. Louv’s imagery creates an atmosphere of sorrowful loss that hits home to all who have ever looked out the car window as children.

Louv’s argument depends on anecdotal evidence. He also relies upon rhetorical devices. Imagery is important, but Louv relies more on a personal attachment. Louv subtly states that the problem of nature and humanity is something that all of us have to address. Louv proves that separation is not natural and must be fixed. The fix is possible, and it starts with us.