What tone does Leopold use in *The Land Ethic*?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the overall tone of The Land Ethic and how Leopold builds his argument.
Option 1: 'Pessimistic and fatalistic' — This characterization misses the constructive, exhortatory aim of the piece. While Leopold critiques harm to ecosystems and warns of consequences, the tone is not consumed by doom; it leans toward urging stewardship and reform. Therefore this description misreads the rhetorical stance.
Option 2: 'Formal and persuasive' — This aligns with the text’s approach. Leopold writes in a measured, scholarly register, presenting ethical arguments about the land and our responsibilities. The language is careful, the reasoning is structured, and the goal is to persuade readers to adopt a broader, more ecocentric ethic. This is the strongest fit because it captures both the form (formal) and the intent (persuasive).
Option 3: 'Sarcastic and humorous' — The essay does not employ sarcasm or humor to critique or persuade. Its appeals are earnest and principled rather than satirical, so this reading does not reflect the actual tone.
Option 4: 'Detached and neutral' — The tone is not purely detached or neutral; Leopold engages ethically with the implications of human conduct toward the land and clearly advocates a normative stance. A neutral stance would downplay or omit normative claims, which the text does not.

2(A) - English 11 Leopold - 1949 - Quiz

What tone does Leopold use in The Land Ethic?

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