Analysis Of Joan Didion's Essay Los Angeles Notebook

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Joan Didion’s essay Los Angeles Notebook recounts experiences that came during the impeding storm. Didion characterizes her views in the essay in attempt to illustrate her understanding of the human behavior. Didion depicts her knowledge of the human as uncontrollable. Didion details her experiences with the Santa Ana winds, creating a shroud of mystery and darkness, which is countered by her comparison to scientific reason. Didion use of specific diction leads to her expression of the ominous nature of the storm and its unexplainable consequences it has on those it touches. Explicit choice of words throughout such as “uneasy,” “frets,” and “tension” depict the seemingly natural and illogical response one would have toward the Santa Ana Winds.

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