Differences And Similarities Between Audubon And Annie Dillard

Compared to the clear and factual passage by John James Audubon that left a pleasant feeling of elation, the writings of Annie Dillard were mysterious and invoked a sense of wonder. The two writers had similar word choice, considering they are from separate time periods, but the syntax could only be more different. Despite talking about the same creature, and having a mutual respect for it, the way they chose to convey their feelings went in completely different directions. Audubon recounted the event in small talk, clearly painting a picture, in contrast to Dillard leading on readers, focusing more on emotions than physical reality.

There was about a century and a half between these two works. However, the diction is surprisingly similar. Each used words and phrases not commonly found in modern everyday conversations and writings such as “eminence,” or “bobbed and knitted.” Along with that, the sense of awe they both felt while looking at these
Audubon wrote as though speaking to a friend, recounting a story of his journey. Dillard constructed a tale about many birds moving at high speeds in wondrous patterns. Between the two, Audubon’s would be more reader friendly, whereas Dillard’s work would be more suited for a performance. Though Dillard may have been more inspired to write, it felt as though she was forcing her feelings into an uncomfortable form.

While Dillard’s writings may have sounded elaborate and high class, the level of understanding is higher with Audubon’s work, as there was less friction between the passage and the mind. Because of the ease with which Audubon wrote, the joy and pleasantness of reading about birds is received to a greater extent. This doesn’t mean than clarity is always better than mystery, but that the appeal of a comfortable reading session is more common to people in general. Both are well written, but Audubon’s ease of writing is more alluring than Dillard’s sense of