The Unsettling of America

Examine the relationship between industrial agriculture and cultural decline. How does Berry link the practices of industrial agriculture to the disintegration of cultural values and community structures? What solutions does he offer to address this decline?

Describe the impact of specialization on human society. What is Berry’s critique of specialization, and how does it contribute to the fragmentation of communities? How does specialization affect personal autonomy and responsibility?

Compare and contrast biological energy and machine-derived energy. How do Berry’s descriptions of biological energy and machine-derived energy differ in their implications for agricultural sustainability? What larger point is Berry making about humanity’s relationship with nature?

Analyze Berry’s vision of local self-sufficiency. How does Berry argue for the importance of local self-sufficiency in agriculture and food production? What are the potential benefits and challenges of localizing food systems in a modern context?

Examine Berry’s use of historical context in his argument. How does he use historical examples, such as Thomas Jefferson’s views and the Morrill Act, to strengthen his argument for sustainable agriculture? What lessons does Berry draw from these historical figures and events?

Describe the ethical dimensions of farming, according to Berry. What ethical obligations does he believe farmers have toward the land, the community, and future generations? How does industrial agriculture conflict with these ethical considerations?

Examine the impact of consumerism on human relationships with the land. How does Berry argue that consumerism has affected the way individuals perceive and interact with the natural world? In what ways has consumer culture contributed to environmental degradation and personal disconnection?

Analyze Berry’s use of literary devices to convey his message. How does he use metaphors, anecdotes, and juxtaposition throughout the text to emphasize his critique of industrial agriculture? What effect do these literary devices have on the persuasiveness of his argument?