As Edward Abbey begins this essay, it is evident to the reader that he is a strong believer that the very existence of life revolves around nature itself. Abbey conveys these views by using diction, imagery, and through his choice of structure.

Many of the words used in Abbey's powerful essay are emotionally charged. His words are backed by a continuing meaning beyond that of their dictionary connotation that provides the reader with a unique vision of nature's beauty. He begins by narrating in a first person point of view, including a short story of one of his most memorable times in nature, when he came face to face with a mountain lion. Feeling "more wonder than fear," his love of the land becomes clearly indisputable through this text. The remainder of Abbey's passage is written including an entire group's vision of nature. This second view is included...