American Literature: Nature’s Role in Defining Identity
Nature is a central topic in many literary works, particularly in American literature. Different authors, however, approach it from diverse perspectives.
Different Perspectives on Nature
Jack London: A Physiological Approach
Jack London offers a physiological approach to nature, exploring its relationship with society. He depicts nature’s laws as controlling individual choice and free will.
Henry David Thoreau & Sarah Orne Jewett: Nature as Self-Discovery
Henry David Thoreau and Sarah Orne Jewett view nature as a place of self-discovery. It provides refuge from societal pressures and allows individuals to be themselves. Nature acts as a transforming agent, changing minds and fostering self-awareness. In The White Heron, Sylvia’s contemplation of the forest profoundly alters her perspective.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Nature as Escape and Liberation
Nathaniel Hawthorne shares Thoreau and Jewett’s perspective, portraying nature as an escape from societal constraints and a path to freedom. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne finds liberation in the wilderness.
Comparing Approaches to Nature
Thoreau and Hawthorne see nature as a refuge from societal pressures, offering a romantic view of its purity and spiritual renewal. Jewett similarly portrays nature’s ability to evoke powerful emotions and transform individuals. In contrast, London presents a more physiological perspective, depicting nature as a force that dictates individual choices.
Jack London’s Works
- Law of Nature: An old man, abandoned in the snow, accepts death’s inevitability.
- To Build a Fire: The protagonist actively fights against nature’s power, refusing to accept defeat.
Henry David Thoreau’s Walden
Walden depicts Thoreau’s two-year experiment living near Walden Pond. It’s an autobiographical account of spiritual discovery and self-reliance, showcasing nature as a path to freedom from industrial society.
Sarah Orne Jewett’s The White Heron
In The White Heron, Sylvia’s climb reveals a transformative experience. Her contemplation of the forest leads her to empathize with nature over the hunter, representing civilization.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter
In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne finds freedom and spiritual renewal in the wilderness, escaping societal rejection. Nature enables her to reconnect with Dimmesdale.
Conclusion
Nature is a prominent theme in American literature, approached diversely by different authors. Thoreau and Hawthorne view it as liberation from society, while Jewett highlights its transformative power. London, conversely, portrays nature as a force that governs individual choices.