In the final paragraph of "A Civil Action," the author focuses on Anne's observations about the neighborhood's problems with local water to emphasize the gravity of the contamination issue and the dire need for a solution. The paragraph supports the main idea of the selection, which is the tragic consequences of environmental negligence and the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions.
The author highlights Anne's observations by stating, "Anne Anderson had been right. The water was terrible." This statement is significant because it confirms Anne's initial concern about the water quality and validates her efforts to bring attention to the issue. The author goes on to describe the extent of the contamination, stating that "the water was toxic," and that "the community had been drinking and cooking with poisoned water for years." This information underscores the severity of the situation and highlights the need for immediate action to protect the health and well-being of the community.
Furthermore, the author uses the paragraph to show the devastating effects of the contamination, stating that "the children of Woburn had been struck down by a cluster of rare and fatal diseases." By emphasizing the tragic consequences of environmental negligence on innocent children, the author makes a powerful argument for the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
In summary, the author focuses on Anne's observations about the neighborhood's problems with local water in the final paragraph to underscore the severity of the contamination issue and support the main idea of the selection, which is the tragic consequences of environmental negligence and the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions.