Analyzing Joan Didion's 'The Santa Anas'

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Noah Chaton Professor Turrubiartes English 1 B 16 April 2024 Humanlike Winds The Santa Ana winds are something that is a topic of constant discussion within the surrounding area about the weather, which makes the inhabitants believe it is alive. This is how Joan Didion went into depth with her piece titled “The Santa Anas”. She talks about how it affects things within the Los Angeles area, and how it may shape the lives of others. She would use examples of devices such as symbolism, personification, and foreshadowing to emphasize how these winds, which are not real people, can feel so alive to the people who live with their conditions. The author uses these separate devices to also dive deeper into the implications of such events. The Santa Ana winds aren't just winds; they're symbols of life's uncertainty and fragility. They represent the fear and insecurity that hang over the city like shadows. These winds mirror Los Angeles' decline in stability, showing how things can change in an instant. They're also warnings of potential disasters like earthquakes and wildfires, embodying the constant threat the area deals with. By using the winds as symbols, the author captures the …show more content…

She brings up past disasters such as earthquakes or fires. References to tense literary works subtly signaling the winds' destructive potential are also brought up. By comparing the weather to concepts of apocalypse, Didion creates a sense of incoming disaster, prompting readers to brace for the chaos that may ensue for them. This device builds suspense and keeps readers on edge as they wait for such events to unfold. Through her foreshadowing, the author urges readers to recognize the unchangeable destruction the winds will bring and their massive impact on Los Angeles and its people. She effectively prepares readers for the panic and chaos that will soon engulf the city that they live

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