Nature in Literature
Nature has been a theme for writers throughout history.But not all writers have treated it in the same way.Some of the earliest works on nature are poems.In Chinese literature, Shanshui poetry dates from as early as the 4th century.
Surprisingly,"nature"does not really become a common theme for poets in Western cultures until the Romantic Movement in the late 18th century.For example,the earliest poems in Old English,which were composed in the 7th century AD,are about war,not nature.The earliest great nature poems which express a love for nature are probably those of the English Lake Poets in the early 19th century.
Much writing about nature emerges naturally from travel writing.In the 17th and 18th centuries wealthy young people from England often spent several years travelling around Europe-an experience which became known as the"Grand Tour".Magnificent scenes from nature were described in detail in their letters home and in their travel journals.
Nature also makes an appearance in some famous essays,such as Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature.Thoreau's memoir Walden is also famous for its depiction of nature.
Nature has also featured in novels,sometimes as an enemy of human beings.One of the greatest American novels,Moby Dick,is set on the high seas.Two popular early 20th- century novels by the writer Jack London-The Call of the Wild and White Fang-tell their stories from the point of view of a dog and a wolf,respectively.In these works,nature is cruel,and demands respect from humans.
Today,nature remains a prominent theme in literature.Its beauty and power continue to be described in vivid detail.What is new is that writers are more aware of its vulnerability,and are picking up their pens in a call for its protection.
Translation to be continued~