Nature

Definition

Nature refers to the inherent qualities, characteristics, and elements of the natural world, often seen as a source of inspiration, beauty, and truth in literature. This concept not only encompasses the physical environment but also reflects deeper philosophical ideas about humanity's connection to the world around them, particularly in poetry and artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of mid-18th century poetry, nature was often idealized as a source of inspiration and beauty, reflecting a shift towards valuing personal experience and emotion.
2. Pre-Romantic poets used imagery of nature to explore themes of human emotion and connection to the natural world, paving the way for the Romantic movement's deeper exploration of these ideas.
3. Wordsworth and Coleridge viewed nature not just as a backdrop but as a vital force in their poetry, integral to their philosophical musings on life, spirituality, and creativity.
4. The Romantic period emphasized a return to nature as a response to the industrialization and urbanization of society, seeking solace and meaning in natural landscapes.
5. Tennyson's poetry often included elements of nature as metaphors for human emotions and experiences, highlighting the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world.

Review Questions

• How did poets of the mid-18th century use nature to express their emotional states?
  • Poets of the mid-18th century began to use nature as a powerful tool to express their emotional states, often portraying it as a mirror reflecting personal feelings. The beauty and complexity of the natural world allowed poets to explore themes of love, loss, and introspection. This use of nature paved the way for later Romantic poets who would delve even deeper into these emotional connections.
• Discuss how Wordsworth's view of nature differs from earlier poetic representations during the Pre-Romantic period.
  • Wordsworth's view of nature marked a significant departure from earlier Pre-Romantic representations by emphasizing a more personal and spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world. Unlike his predecessors who may have depicted nature primarily as an aesthetic backdrop, Wordsworth portrayed it as a living entity that could influence human emotions and inspire profound insights. This shift highlighted the importance of individual experience in understanding nature's role in life.
• Evaluate how Tennyson's use of nature reflects broader societal changes during the Victorian era.
  • Tennyson's incorporation of nature into his poetry serves as a reflection of broader societal changes during the Victorian era, particularly in relation to industrialization and its impact on human experience. As society moved toward urbanization, Tennyson often used natural imagery to convey nostalgia for simpler times while also exploring themes of human struggle against the backdrop of an increasingly mechanized world. This duality in his work illustrates how nature remained a vital source of meaning amidst rapid societal transformation.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and the past.

Sublime: A concept in aesthetics referring to experiences that inspire awe and wonder, often associated with nature's grandeur.

Transcendentalism: A philosophical movement advocating for the inherent goodness of people and nature, emphasizing intuition over empirical evidence.