Joy Glaze, Post Two

The factual information that Bryson gives in addition to the narrative is very interesting. The asides provide a brief escape from the occasionally monotonous walking of the trail. Knowing background information about the wilderness through which Bryson and Katz are walking is very helpful in making the reader feel more connected to the experience as well as to the importance of trail. Though some of the digressions seem to carry on for longer than necessary, the information provided generally adds to the overall story.

One particularly interesting description is that of the eradication of the American chestnut caused by the Asian fungus called Endothia parasitica. Though this tangent covers almost four pages in chapter ten, the information is fascinating. The description of the humongous trees compels the reader to go immediately into the woods to experience the species’ enormity for him/herself. Unfortunately, to encounter these giant trees is no longer possible because of the disastrous extinction. Bryson most likely included this information to make people aware of the destruction that can be caused by importing foreign wildlife species into areas where they are not meant to exist. Many people, including myself, would not think twice about the absence of the American chestnut unless the deficiency personally affected them. This information also causes the reader to be thankful for the nature and tree species that are still left in the states. Bryson skillfully causes the reader to acquire a connection to the nature which he is experiencing while on the trail.