Nature

Definition

Nature refers to the physical world and its inherent qualities, including landscapes, flora, fauna, and natural phenomena. It often embodies themes of beauty, tranquility, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Throughout various literary traditions, nature serves as a source of inspiration, reflection, and philosophical exploration, revealing deeper truths about existence and human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In classical Chinese literature, nature is depicted as a harmonious entity that reflects the principles of balance and the interconnectedness between humans and the universe.
2. Romantic poets often personified nature as a powerful force that influences human emotions and creativity, believing that nature could evoke profound spiritual and emotional responses.
3. Transcendentalists viewed nature as a manifestation of divine spirit, emphasizing the importance of individual intuition in understanding deeper truths found in the natural world.
4. Wordsworth’s poetry frequently highlights the restorative power of nature, illustrating how immersion in natural landscapes can lead to personal insight and healing.
5. For Emerson, nature was not only a backdrop but a teacher; he argued that through observing nature, individuals could access universal truths about humanity and existence.

Review Questions

• How do classical Chinese philosophers like Confucius, Laozi, and Zhuangzi interpret the relationship between humans and nature?
  • Classical Chinese philosophers emphasize harmony with nature as essential for personal and societal well-being. Confucius focuses on moral order within human relationships, suggesting that understanding one's role in nature leads to social harmony. In contrast, Laozi promotes simplicity and spontaneity in living with nature's rhythms, while Zhuangzi emphasizes relativism and the fluidity of identity in relation to nature's cycles. Together, they present a holistic view where humans are integral parts of the natural world.
• Discuss how Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge incorporate themes of nature into their work to reflect human emotions.
  • Romantic poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge see nature as both a source of inspiration and a mirror for human emotions. Wordsworth often depicts tranquil natural settings that provoke introspection and evoke feelings of joy or melancholy. Coleridge employs vivid imagery to illustrate the sublime aspects of nature that stir deep emotional responses. By connecting personal feelings with natural landscapes, these poets highlight how nature can influence mood and creativity.
• Evaluate the significance of nature in Transcendentalist thought as expressed by Emerson and Thoreau compared to earlier views on nature.
  • In Transcendentalist thought, Emerson and Thoreau elevate nature beyond mere aesthetic appreciation or philosophical reflection. They argue that nature is a direct manifestation of divine spirit, advocating for personal connection through direct experience in the wild. This perspective contrasts with earlier views where nature was often seen as separate from humanity or merely a setting for moral lessons. For Emerson and Thoreau, immersing oneself in nature leads to self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, thus redefining humanity's relationship with the natural world.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often depicting nature as an indifferent force.

Sublime: Aesthetic concept that captures the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, often provoking feelings of admiration mixed with terror.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that values emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature as a counterpoint to industrialization.