Nature

Definition

Nature refers to the physical world and its inherent qualities, including landscapes, flora, fauna, and the natural elements, often seen as a source of inspiration and spiritual connection. In literature, especially during the Romantic era, nature is not just a backdrop but a character that embodies beauty, the sublime, and profound emotional experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Romantic poetry, nature serves as a reflection of the poet's emotions, often representing themes of love, loss, and personal transformation.
2. Wordsworth famously elevated nature to a central theme in his poetry, suggesting that it possesses healing qualities and can lead to spiritual awakening.
3. Coleridge's work incorporates supernatural elements with nature, showcasing how the natural world can evoke both wonder and fear.
4. The Romantic idealization of nature influenced societal attitudes towards environmental preservation and sparked early conservation movements.
5. Shelley's revolutionary ideals connected nature to social change, where he viewed the natural world as a force that could inspire humanity to pursue freedom and equality.

Review Questions

• How does the portrayal of nature differ between Wordsworth's and Coleridge's poetry?
  • Wordsworth's poetry often presents nature as a nurturing force that heals and inspires the individual spirit. He emphasizes its beauty and serenity, reflecting a deep connection between humanity and the natural world. In contrast, Coleridge explores nature with a more complex lens, introducing supernatural elements that evoke both awe and terror. His works highlight the unpredictability of nature and how it can provoke profound emotional responses.
• Discuss how Romantic ideals related to nature influenced cultural attitudes towards the environment in society.
  • Romantic ideals celebrated nature as a source of inspiration and truth, leading to a shift in cultural attitudes towards the environment. As poets and artists depicted nature's beauty and power, there emerged a growing appreciation for the natural world as something sacred. This reverence contributed to early conservation efforts and fostered an awareness of environmental issues, laying the groundwork for future movements focused on protecting nature from industrialization and exploitation.
• Evaluate how Shelley's use of nature in his poetry reflects his revolutionary ideals and critiques of society.
  • Shelley uses nature as a powerful symbol in his poetry to reflect his revolutionary ideals. He often portrays natural landscapes as embodiments of freedom and potential, suggesting that humanity can draw strength from the natural world to challenge societal norms. By connecting nature to themes of liberty and equality, Shelley critiques contemporary society's constraints on human potential and advocates for radical change. His works imply that an authentic connection with nature can inspire individuals to fight against oppression.

Related terms

The Sublime: Aesthetic concept referring to an overwhelming experience of beauty or terror in nature that evokes feelings of awe and transcendence.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emphasizes emotion, individualism, and a deep appreciation for nature as a source of inspiration and truth.

Pastoral: A literary genre that idealizes rural life and landscapes, often depicting nature as a serene escape from the complexities of urban living.