Tag Archives: nature

Darwin

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Upon reading the introduction of the Origin of Species my perception of this type of literature has completely changed. I was expecting dry scientific language, and was pleasantly surprised because this is such an incredibly beautiful subject that deserves to be presented as such.I find it fascinating that Charles Darwin was able to present his ideas in such a clear and beautiful manner; I have read countless textbooks that do not treat the material in this way, and it comes across as very boring and difficult to process. Treating a topic as complex and grand as Natural Selection with literary artisism, allows the ideologies to become tangible. Explaining genetics in terms of numbers, chemical equations, or large words is not as impactful as equating it to something that resonates with the spirit of humanity. Darwin balances his scientific ideas with perfectly beautiful metaphors that truly capture the essence of his ideas. This reflects the idea that nature is the driving and supporting force for not only art, but science as well and that the two can and must coexist. Darwin’s masterful use of language shines a beautiful light on science and allows someone like me (who is not scientifically inclined but still enjoys and appreciates the field immensely) to understand these concepts. The Origin of Species did not read like 1850’s scientific research, but instead it was poetic and more beautiful that I had ever imagined it could be. It is also outstanding that all of this research was done without the use of genetic testing; leaving all observing and data collecting to the eye. The fact that Darwin was able to construct such an incredible theory through observation is incredible, and proves that the natural world has much to teach us if only we open our eyes. This is something that is often overlooked in today’s society, even the observation of people can prove informational. I do, however, wonder what man might have been able to figure out on his own without technology and modern day science? Is observation enough to understand the world that we live in? One problem many people had and continue to have with Darwin is that he was uncovering things many thought to be better left unknown; while this is a completely valid point that still rings true today, it is also engrained in mans nature to be curious and question the universe.

Rethinking the Commons

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The lecture by Joni Adamson on “Rethinking the Commons” was very intriguing. Adamson focused her lecture on what is considered “the commons” and how the word has changed drastically since it was first coined. “The commons” was first described as a type of resource or land used by the community but now in modern day use it is considered an overgrazed pasture. She described how environmental justice focuses not only on the environment but also social justice in literature. She explains how amaranth or pigweed is actually considered a very durable plant and has been quite resourceful for people during depressions. Adamson goes on to describe Monsanto, a corporation known for its agricultural biotechnology and its production of genetically engineered seeds.

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Trains of Thought on Trains

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The passage starting in paragraph two on page 81 in the Norton Critical Edition of Walden by Thoreau clearly shows tension between nature and society as a train cuts through Walden Pond. However, I believe even Thoreau feels conflicted about the meeting of these two opposing forces.

The chapter is Sounds, and, early on, Thoreau establishes his intimate knowledge of this meeting ground by saying the men who work on the freight trains bow to him as to an old acquaintance. This seems to give Thoreau credibility in the eyes of the reader. Immediately before that Thoreau explains how he commonly walks the railroad causeway, using the word often, and he even says he is “related to society by this link.” The two key words that stand out here are often and related. Thoreau is careful to express the habitualness of this walk through the use of the word often and the descriptions of his mutual comfort with the men of the train. He then uses the word related, a word commonly used to describe a familial connection to refer to the track. I believe this paragraph shows Thoreau’s uses for the meeting of the two worlds and paints them in a positive light. Continue reading →

Nature and Man’s Connection

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To Emerson, the natural world is better than his own, offering mankind all the life and inspiration that is absent from society. Emerson paints a vivid picture of nature and man’s important connection to it. Emerson convinces his readers that the relationship between man and nature is sacred, comforting, and vital for survival.

Emerson asks his readers “to what end is Nature?” (27). He goes about answering this question with several arguments.  Emerson makes certain to his readers that “we have no questions to ask which are unanswerable,” this is so because the ”order of things” in nature will answer all questions (27). He then goes on to explain that, “the universe is composed of Nature and the Soul” (28). Assuming that the Soul resides in each man, Emerson makes the conclusion that “therefore, all that is separate from us…must be ranked under this name, NATURE”(28). Emerson also notes that nature is anything “unchanged by man” such as the sky, the landscape, the air, etc.  By slowly drawing out the definition of what nature is Emerson makes a mysterious entity become tangible to his readers.

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Two Defintions of Nature found In Rowlandson

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For this week’s blog I thought it would be a good idea to examine the text “A Narrative of Captivity” by Mary Rowlandson  from two weeks prior because of personal favor for the text and answer one of  the courses  “central questions” in order to get a better grasp on how this text can be viewed as “environmental literature” .  The text will be examined with the focal point of answering the central question- “What kinds of environmental and nature are of interest in the text?  How does the author define these terms (explicitly or implicitly), and how useful are these definitions?” I will focus heavily on the “useful” aspect of the definitions of natures, as I feel it has been covered in class thoroughly how the these texts are anthropocentric or ecocentric and how they align with another important questions such as Buell’s checklist.

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Faith and Nature

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In Mary Rowlandson’s book, A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, she recounts the transformations she must go through, once natives take her captive. The Second Remove describes her struggles to survive in the “vast and desolate wilderness.” Rowlandson describes how she was exhausted and missed her home and that the Spirit of God was the only thing that kept her going. Rowlandson states, “God was with me in a wonderful manner, carrying me along, and bearing up my spirit, that it did not quite fail” (312). Rowlandson was showing her faith towards God and displays that He was the only thing keeping her from giving up. She describes the wilderness as a very barren place that is exceptionally inhospitable compared to her society. Continue reading →

Nature’s Influence on Man

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American colonists arriving in these shores brought with them ideas of individual liberty and the natural right of property. If you worked hard and put in the time, the thinking goes, you were entitled to the fruits of your own labor. Crevecoeur sketches a convincing tableau that incorporates these philosophies into 18th century life in the New World. Instead of being given dominion over untamed land, the early settlers had to work to push back the woods and make the soil productive. At the same time, however, they were influenced by their surroundings to the point that even man’s basic humanity was at risk. Unlike the earlier Rowlandson, who writes of her stoic stand against wilderness that is enabled by the grace of God, Crevecoeur’s letters suggest that man’s interaction with nature works both ways.

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