Nature

Definition

Nature refers to the physical world and its inherent qualities, encompassing everything from landscapes to ecosystems, and it plays a central role in shaping human experience and understanding. In various philosophies and literary traditions, nature is often viewed as a source of inspiration, moral guidance, and a reflection of the human spirit, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcendentalists believed that nature was a manifestation of the divine, offering insight into truth and spirituality.
2. Nature serves as a backdrop for many American spiritual literary works, symbolizing freedom, growth, and personal transformation.
3. In literature, nature often represents the sublime, evoking feelings of awe and wonder that connect individuals to something greater than themselves.
4. The relationship between humans and nature in this context emphasizes harmony, reflecting the belief that understanding nature leads to personal enlightenment.
5. Many key figures in American literature, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, wrote extensively about their experiences with nature as a means of spiritual exploration.

Review Questions

• How does Transcendentalism view the relationship between humanity and nature?
  • Transcendentalism posits that humanity has an intrinsic connection to nature, which is seen as a reflection of the divine. This philosophy emphasizes that by engaging with nature, individuals can achieve a higher understanding of themselves and their place in the universe. Nature is viewed not just as a physical environment but as a spiritual entity that fosters personal growth and self-discovery.
• What role does nature play as a theme in Romantic literature, particularly in American works?
  • In American Romantic literature, nature serves as a central theme that symbolizes emotional depth, individuality, and the beauty of existence. Writers use vivid depictions of natural landscapes to evoke feelings of wonder and connection to something larger than life. This focus on nature often contrasts with industrialization, highlighting a longing for simplicity and authenticity in human experience.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of nature in American spiritual literature reflects societal values during the 19th century.
  • The portrayal of nature in American spiritual literature during the 19th century reflects societal values such as individualism, reverence for personal freedom, and a deep appreciation for the environment. As industrialization progressed, writers emphasized the need to reconnect with nature as a source of truth and moral clarity. This shift illustrates a growing recognition of environmental issues and a desire for spiritual fulfillment through communion with the natural world, mirroring broader cultural movements aimed at finding balance amidst rapid change.

Related terms

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, advocating for self-reliance and individuality.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that prioritizes emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature over rationalism and classical ideals.

Divine Nature: The belief that the divine or spiritual presence can be experienced through the natural world, leading to a deeper understanding of existence and the universe.