According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a fascination is a state of feeling an intense interest in something. This feeling is expressed throughout the passage, Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood and How It Changed America by John M. Barry. In the passage, Barry explains how the Mississippi river flows. Barry uses imagery, epiphora, and figurative language to demonstrate his fascination for rivers.

In the beginning of the passage, Barry frequently uses words that show his great understanding of rivers. For example, he states, "...dynamic combination of turbulent effects, and river hydraulics quickly go beyond the merely complex." (Barry 1). Through the use of the words "dynamic", "turbulent", and "hydraulics", Barry creates an image of what the rivers appear to him. In addition, he uses other creative words such as "flowing" and …show more content…
For example, he states, "Surface velocities, bottom velocities, midstream and mid-depth velocities..." (Barry 2). This repetition of the word velocity show that the author has a great knowledge for rivers. He also states, "...all are affected by friction, or lack or friction..." (Barry 2). This epiphora shows his understanding of rivers, and his passion for them. By utilizing epiphoras throughout the passage, Barry emphasizes his enthusiasm for rivers.

Barry's use of figurative language exhibits his passion for rivers. For example he states, "...it moves south in layers and whorls, like an uncoiling rope made up of a multitude of discrete fibers..." (Barry 4). This simile's comparison of the Mississippi river to a rope shows the author's thoughtful observation of the river. In addition, he writes, "The Mississippi snakes seaward in a continual series of S curves..." (Barry 5). Through this personification, Barry shows his image of what the Mississippi appears to him. Through the use of figurative language, Barry signifies his love of