A Simple Change of Terminology

In chapter 14 of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver explains how the simple change of terminology from "killing" animals to "harvesting" them changes everything. I found this especially interesting to blog about because this is an English course, and euphemisms are in fact literary devices. Though at face value this word choice may seem like a hippy's way of quelling her conscience, Kingsolver explains how harvesting implies a carefully planned and respectful way of killing animals for a clear purpose. I think that Kingsolver feels strongly enough about respecting animals that she can use the word "harvesting" in place of "killing" or "slaughtering", but I think that for many people this word would carry connotations that animals are the same as plants. Without the proper explanation of her reasoning behind her diction, I feel that "harvesting" could easily be misinterpreted into something she never intended. Whether or not "harvesting" causes problems, it's an interesting way of looking at things.