TOW #5: The Forest Unseen, April 8th: Xylem (non-fiction)

           In his book, The Forest Unseen, biologist and professor David Haskell tracts the happenings of one square meter of forest throughout the duration of an entire year. It is through the lens of this square meter of forest that Haskell is able to draw fundamental conclusions about the synergy of life on this planet and create a dynamic understanding of the interactions of all life on earth -- human life included. In this particular chapter, as the title indicates, Haskell takes a particular look at the xylem of plants; the vascular tubes within plants that allow for the transfer of water and sugars. He takes a unique perspective at such a topic, intertwining it with its implications to other life processes, all of which leave a lasting impact on the reader, however, it is not simply what is being said that makes this book so successful; it is the way with which it is said. Through the use of powerfully poetic syntax and insightful extended metaphors, Haskell is able to inform the general public about the biological systems which they themselves are involved.
          What makes this book different from many of its kind is Haskell's anapestic syntax, which allows him to tell his story of biological significance in a way that is most aesthetically pleasing -- a combination of poetry and prose. This unique syntax to such a topic is seen in the breakup of his paragraphs, leaving lines such as "the forest lives" (Haskell 70) in separate lines as a way to add emphasis. His use of extended metaphors are another branch of his writing style that add strength to his work. These extended metaphors are seen in his description of spring awakening in the forest as being, "like a tide rising" and then continuing the metaphor to describe how "the upward surge floods the mountain side with a sense of renewal" (Haskell 71). This characteristic, which is certainly more prominent in poetic works, is what give his writings value to his audience. Like famed biologist before him, Rachel Carson, Haskell takes a new perspective to scientific writing, opening it up to a much broader audience. He is extremely successful in doing so, with his greatest dexterity being his ability to avoid simply telling facts about forest, but  rather, his ability to tell its narrative.