The Observer and London Snow Essay Example

"blizzard" is used in multiple ways, implying both the actual snowstorm and the excessive information spread by TV programs regarding a simple and ordinary event.

The writer adopts a casual tone when addressing the reader, stating "What happened was...". Jones employs a pun to convey that snowfall has overshadowed all other news, likening it to a "whiteout" effect. Referring to this weather event as "The Blizzard of 96" seems absurd because the nonchalant journalists, known as hacks, tend to exaggerate trivial matters by incessantly discussing the weather.

The author uses the phrase "flakes upon flakes upon flakes" to sarcastically emphasize the excessive amount of coverage this blizzard has received on TV, highlighting the insignificance of the event. Mayor Guiliani, dressed appropriately for action and to confront the issue, ironically proposes leaving the city due to its supposed "critical purpose." However, there is no actual critical purpose, as indicated by the use of inverted commas and conveyed through a sarcastic tone.

However, Text B begins differently. It begins with a short, direct sentence: "It was snow." It is clear to the reader, after reading Text A's article, that Theroux is referring to actual snow. In the first paragraph, Theroux employs descriptive and comparative language to depict the impact of snow on the small city. He uses two similes to describe the snow as resembling "white eyebrows" and "beards hanging from the sills." These comparisons create a sense of serenity and tranquility, as they are described in a gentle and calm tone that implies peace.

The author noticed that the entire city was covered in snow. The only visible indication of movement in this traditional small city was the footprints

left behind by the milkman. In the midst of his contemplation, Theroux suddenly exclaims, "What a beautiful street it seemed!" It appears that while he was trying to decipher something, he became captivated by the beauty of the place and was taken aback.

By analyzing the opening paragraph of both texts, it becomes evident that the responses of individuals living in different locations and eras to a shared circumstance, being surrounded by snow, can be easily contrasted. The authors employ optimistic or pessimistic perspectives to effectively convey the actual occurrences and reactions of people in the respective cities. As stated by Jones in Text A, New Yorkers are characterized as shallow individuals who prioritize dressing for and discussing snowfall as if it holds great significance.

Additionally, they experience a peculiar sense of gratitude and exhilaration, as they believe that the weather has bestowed upon them a significant role in the annals of history. In a comical fashion, this would mark their first encounter with any semblance of historical significance, which is often a subject of mockery towards the United States for its perceived lack of a rich historical background. Another example highlighting Jones' informal use of language can be found in his reference to journalists as "snow-hacks" who thrive on gathering information about how regular individuals cope with the snow. The people themselves become indispensable to these journalists, as their survival depends on it.

The author's tone becomes harsher when Jones draws a comparison between "snow-plough workers" and soldiers on the front line of a war, suggesting that both face significant danger. The author mocks a New Yorker's accent by saying "Mudder Nature, we got her licked," highlighting

a sense of superiority in North Americans who believe they can control and dominate nature. With ridicule, Jones implies that New Yorkers are foolish for seeking attention by exaggerating their suffering, as they proclaim "this isn't Bosnia but it sure looks like it."

Upon comparing and contrasting Text B and Text A, one can observe a stark contrast in the level of movement. Text A portrays a lot more activity, while Text B conveys a sense of tranquility and peacefulness among the inhabitants of a small city. In the second paragraph of Text B, Theroux introduces the characters and describes their mature and positive reaction to the snow, indicating that it is not a novel occurrence for them. The author refers to their overwhelming fascination with the snow, which stands in direct opposition to the way people in London and New York City react to the same phenomenon.

Theroux continues to depict the city covered in snow, comparing it to an empty countryside with hills. In the third paragraph of Text A, Jones conveys that the snow has ceased, using the wordplay "the sky seem to be snow out." Additionally, he quotes Guiliani's description of the Sanitary Commissioner as someone who comprehends snow removal similar to a general understanding warfare.

The author sarcastically comments on the comparison between a minor inconvenience and a massive conflict, highlighting the absurdity of equating them. Furthermore, the author explicitly criticizes New Yorkers who struggle to spend a single day at home with their own children, implying their inability to handle such a simple task. With the snow now gone, the author refers to people as if they have been saved from

a significant issue. Jones argues that even though the snow and blizzard have ended, informal journalists will persist in their quest for new words to describe the snow.

Americans continue to seek out new "catastrophes" to rely on, ensuring that their show time is not over. Jones concludes his article by addressing the reader directly, saying "stay warm, as they say around here." This contrasts the snow problem, as the word "warm" is the opposite of what is experienced in the snowy weather. Meanwhile, Text B takes a different approach in its conclusion. It highlights that the city has been rendered motionless and frozen by the snow, with no signs of activity.

In Text B, instead of being disturbed by the noise caused by the chaos of the snow in Text A, people wake up due to the extreme quietness created by the "covering of snow that had shut out every sound". Theroux describes this phenomenon in two ways. First, he uses a metaphor to compare the snow figures to real objects on an imagery level. Then, he explains the reason behind these illusions on a literal level, allowing the reader to understand why he had these perceptions.

Theroux depicts the city under a snowy, ethereal light by stating that "the meadow was the frozen river on which the snow settled, and some icy wavelets had produced the illusion of lambs" (line 17). The author's description alludes to how the snow enhances the city's appearance. As evidence, Theroux highlights how "from every eave and drainpipe hung icicle daggers and the loveliest swords of ice." The concluding statement in Text B emphasizes the snow's transformative effect as a character

remarks that "the snow just came down and snuffled everything." This showcases the city's innocence, tranquility, and the gentle nature of its inhabitants.

After analyzing and comparing both texts, the main similarity that can be concluded is the reaction of people towards snow, although the reactions are not the same.

Both texts contrast significantly due to the differences found in them, particularly in how people react to snow. In Text A, individuals respond negatively, perceiving snow as a problem and thereby exaggerating this inconsequential weather change, leading to complete chaos. Conversely, in Text B, individuals appreciate snow and admire the city's beauty when covered in white.