Introduction
Chapter 7 of Ed Yong’s “I Contain Multitudes,” aptly titled “Mutually Assure Success,” delves into the intriguing world of microorganisms, their symbiotic relationships with hosts, and the mechanisms that underlie the harmonious coexistence between species. In this chapter, the reader is transported to a minuscule space, evoking imagery akin to a “small garden shed.” As I navigate the narrative terrain of this chapter, my thoughts and emotions become a symphony of wonderment and curiosity.
Imagery of Descriptions in Chapter 7
The vivid description of the room, “the size of a small garden shed,” evokes a sense of confinement juxtaposed with the boundless complexity of the microbial world. Yong’s choice of words is exquisite, as he draws attention to the minute details – “enough room to swing a cat,” a phrase tantalizingly hints at the cramped quarters, an ardent embrace of space limitations. Yet, one cannot help but appreciate the audacious whimsy inherent in the description, painting a picture of feline rebellion.
The “heavy and imposing” door symbolizes the threshold one must cross to venture into this enigmatic realm of microbiota (Yong, 2017). The door’s attributes mirror the imposing mysteries concealed within the room. It is a gateway to a world with a “white and spotless” interior, where cleanliness reflects the precision and meticulousness required to study the unseen universe of microorganisms.
The room’s atmosphere, regulated by a “rhythmically u•hirring” fan that conjures an image of Darth Vader with a megaphone, offers a sensory juxtaposition. The serene white backdrop contrasting with the audacious, relentless noise of the fan reinforces the idea that the world of microbes is both serene and tumultuous. There is an undeniable rhythm to life, even at this minuscule scale.
Plants are the room’s inhabitants, its verdant soul. Pea shoots, fava beans, and alfalfa seedlings dance in the space, suggesting a thriving ecosystem despite the apparent confinement. The room, with its unusual assembly of plant life, feels like a “weird greenhouse.” The strangeness lies in how everything is encased, covered, and separated from the observer. Some plants are shrouded in “transparent plastic cups,” akin to protective cloaks, while others inhabit “plastic cubes” accessible only through “arm-wide portholes with fine muslin knotted over them.” It is as if this room guards not only the plants but also the secrets they house.
The room’s enigma deepens with an “unruly spray of shoots” in a conspicuously large box. The unruliness speaks to the unknown, the untamed potential, which might be the hidden key to understanding the microbial world’s intricacies. These shoots elicit a response in the biologist Nancy Moran, who admits, “We’ve just started breeding them, so I don’t even know if they’re in here yet.”
As I read these lines, the sense of mystery deepens. Moran, the custodian of this miniature realm, must be made aware of the full extent of the microorganisms’ presence (Yong, 2017). It is a testament to these tiny life forms’ hidden, enigmatic nature. My thoughts meander through a labyrinth of questions. What could these unseen entities be? What role do they play in the larger scheme of life? The notion that even a seasoned biologist cannot fully discern their presence speaks to the humility with which we must approach this intricate world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chapter 7 of “I Contain Multitudes” explores the microscopic world and the intricate relationships that bind living organisms. It invites the reader to step into a room that is a microcosm of the mysteries lurking within our bodies and the broader world. As I reflect on this chapter, my thoughts and emotions oscillate between awe and reverence as we are reminded that the world we can see is just a fraction of the multitudes that exist beyond our perception.
References
Yong, E. (2017). I contain multitudes. Random House UK.