Sentence Structure – Long, complex sentences with multiple clauses and ideas in one line.

Style – Reflective and essayistic, often weaving history, personal observation, and analysis (e.g. Solnit shares moments she witnessed or felt—e.g., seeing grassroots activism unfold, or noting small victories that often go unnoticed).

Tone – Optimistic but contemplative, requiring readers to interpret subtle emotional cues.

Conceptual Difficulty – Discusses abstract political and social ideas, expecting background knowledge (e.g. Solnit talks about concepts like power, activism, democracy, and non-linear social change without defining them in simple terms. For example, she might discuss how movements “shift the possible” rather than giving a step-by-step guide).