Nature

Definition

Nature refers to the physical world and its phenomena, encompassing the natural environment, landscapes, plants, animals, and the universe. In American literature before 1860, nature often symbolizes beauty, spirituality, and a source of inspiration, reflecting the philosophical and emotional connections humans have with their surroundings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Native American oral traditions, nature is often depicted as sacred and interconnected with human life, emphasizing respect for the environment.
2. Early American short fiction frequently uses nature as a backdrop to explore human emotions and moral dilemmas, highlighting characters' relationships with their surroundings.
3. Ralph Waldo Emerson viewed nature as a reflection of the divine and an essential part of personal growth and understanding in his transcendentalist beliefs.
4. Emily Dickinson often infused her poetry with imagery of nature to express complex themes such as life, death, and the passage of time.
5. The comparative analysis of Whitman and Dickinson reveals contrasting views on nature; Whitman's works celebrate its expansiveness while Dickinson's often highlight its intimacy and complexity.

Review Questions

• How do Native American oral traditions reflect their understanding of nature?
  • Native American oral traditions often portray nature as a sacred entity that is deeply intertwined with human existence. These stories emphasize the importance of living in harmony with the environment, showcasing a worldview that values respect and stewardship over exploitation. Nature serves not only as a setting but also as a central character in these narratives, guiding moral lessons and cultural identity.
• Discuss the significance of nature in Emerson's philosophy and how it relates to transcendentalism.
  • In Emerson's philosophy, nature is seen as a manifestation of the divine and a vital source for self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Transcendentalism posits that individuals can gain insights about themselves and the universe through their experiences in nature. Emerson believed that by immersing oneself in the natural world, one could achieve a deeper understanding of truth, morality, and one's place in the cosmos.
• Analyze how Dickinson's portrayal of nature contrasts with Whitman's celebration of it in their respective works.
  • Dickinson's portrayal of nature often emphasizes its complexity, intimacy, and connection to themes like mortality and isolation. Her poems frequently explore individual feelings towards nature as a reflection of internal struggles. In contrast, Whitman celebrates nature as expansive and liberating, viewing it as a source of collective identity and unity among people. This contrast highlights differing perspectives on humanity's relationship with the natural world—one introspective and personal, while the other is communal and exuberant.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature as a reaction against the industrial revolution and rationalism.

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the early 19th century, advocating for the inherent goodness of people and nature, emphasizing intuition and personal experience as sources of knowledge.

Symbolism:

A literary device where symbols are used to represent ideas or qualities, often seen in the use of nature to convey deeper meanings in literature.