Man Versus Nature: Descriptions and Messages in When the Killing's Done Jaden Gill 11th Grade

In the contemporary novel When the Killing's Done, author T.C. Boyle tells the powerfully relevant story of Alma Boyd Takesue, her antagonist Dave Lajoy, and their attempts to exert dominion over the natural world. Set on the Channel Islands off the coast of California, the novel reveals timely themes regarding the Earth’s cycle of life and how mankind has altered it, for better or for worse. Throughout the plot, Alma strives to preserve the Island's native ecosystem, while Dave tries to protect the invasive species, but it is nature’s response to these actions that expose Boyle’s honest thoughts on the prevalent issues occurring currently environmentally and socially. While plants and animals may not necessarily be controlling mankind, When the Killing’s Done reiterates the idea that every aspect of Earth is supposed to work in unison, so when humans disrupt it, the universe responds. As shown through symbolic weather and the many characters that experience extreme trauma at sea, man does not have dominion over the environment, thus illuminating T.C. Boyle’s theme that the world’s natural order cannot be defied, and humans’ attempts to alter it will simply result in self sabotage.

Boyle’s use of weather is used constantly...