Rakira Urquhart
7th Hour
10/05/16
Williams
Without Language, There is No Purpose
The language we use influences the way we think,-Steven Parker. I chose to include
this quote because the authors use of language plays a large role in the paper. In Lives of a
Cell: Notes of a Biology Watch, the author is able to express his purpose of comparing the lives
of insects to humans by using an abundance of literary devices throughout the paper. While using
literary devices, Parker allows his purpose to become more evident. It is common for all authors
to use literary devices in order to create more substance in their writing. Before reading the text,
I would have never believed how similar ants are to humans. I now see the closeness in the
relationship after reading the authors piece.
As mentioned before, the authors purpose is to show the comparison between ants and
humans. This is the very first paragraph when the author uses the people in the busy streets of
Atlantic City to compare to ants. There is the same vibrating iconic movement interrupted by
the darting back and forth of jerky individuals to touch antennae and exchange small bits of
information(47). I understand the quote as saying people walking on the streets communicating
as if they were insects interacting with their peers. Another way Lewis Thomas uses language in
his paper is the use of contrast. Even though the author feels that we are like insects, yet in
paragraph four he states otherwise. He explains that we as humans are not comfortable with the
Commented [1]: Intro-delete quote. We live in a world
where language can be both barrier and link to people across
the world. An authors *language* can make people relate to
story despite their different up comings and backgrounds.
Commented [2]: Delete sentence
Commented [3]: Change- by his use of metaphors,
hyperboles, personification
Commented [4]: Parker's use of literary devices allows
readers to see the connection between the unlikely pair of
ants and humans.
Commented [5]: With the authors use of metaphors he is
able to compare the ants to the bust Atlantic streets
Commented [6]: On the way to work, school, or to lunch
people communicate and move fast with the chaotic streets of
the city. This is no different from the way ants move in packs
while delivering food to their homes. **
Commented [7]: Despite how evident some of the similar
features may seem, some people are offended by that
assertion.**
assertion that we are some what similar to ants. He implies that we feel too highly of ourselves Commented [8]: Delete

and that that comparison is out of this world.

The language an author uses in any form of writing is very important. The language you Commented [9]: Delete

incorporate into your literary piece can determine how your writing is understood. For instance,

the author of a mystery would use vague language and foreshadowing to keep the reader

interested. In fact Lewis Thomas includes a variety of literary devices in his work. This is

necessary for the reader to have a better understanding of what is being said. They formed

themselves into long, black, ropy patterns, extended like writhing limbs, hands, fingers, across

the sand crescents, crisscrosses and long ellipses, from one station to another (48). The authors

language is especially strong in this quote, hence the use of a metaphor to compare ants and

humans. Another thing Thomas does well is supporting both sides of the argument with his Commented [10]: Thomas personifies the ants as if they
were apart of the human body

language. To explain, he is all about the likeness between humans and ants, but sheds light on

how other people would feel about his opinion. Commented [11]: Delete

The apparent voice of the author further elaborated on the purpose that ants and humans

are alike to a certain degree. By not just the use of details, the author includes a numerous

amount of literary devices in his work. These all include metaphors, personification, similes, and

even hyperbole. He is more like a ganglion on legs (49). If you don't know a ganglion is part of

the human body, near the wrist. And the quote means that thy of ants move with ease not having

second thoughts. Furthermore, that example supports my statement that the use of language is

important because it helps the reader better comprehend what is going on in the text. My mom

always tells me it is not what you say, but how you say it; this has a lot to do with the contents of

a piece of writing and how the author expresses it.