Pastoral refers to a literary work or genre that idealizes rural life, often depicting it as peaceful, simple, and close to nature. It typically portrays shepherds or rural characters engaged in idyllic settings.
Related terms
Eclogue: An eclogue is a short pastoral poem that usually features dialogue between two shepherds discussing love or philosophical topics.
Arcadia: Arcadia refers to an imaginary place associated with rural simplicity and natural beauty. It often serves as the setting for pastoral works.
Idyll: An idyll is a short poem or prose piece that depicts rustic life in an idealized manner, emphasizing peace, harmony, and simplicity.