Point of View

The Control of Nature is written by John McPhee as an investigative reporter who inserts comments and observations in the first person. McPhee is an objective reviewer who seems to favor natural events. He is not an ideological environmentalist and allows the truth he presents to sell itself. His view ranges from personal interviewer to historian and science reporter. The viewpoint of characters is presented in contrast to one another to make a point. For instance, the dedicated Corpsman in charge, General Sands runs the Mississippi towboat aground. The Arcadian native Corps employee, Dugie sports a belt buckle that says to help control the Mississippi.

John McPhee is himself a character in the stories he tells. This approach offers a more colorful presentation of the historical and technical information although it may also be confusing. McPhee appears to be ever present everywhere through his vivid recollection...