Nature

Definition

In literature, 'nature' refers to the natural world and its elements, encompassing landscapes, flora, fauna, and the overall environment that characters inhabit. It often serves as a backdrop for human emotion and actions, reflecting themes of beauty, isolation, and the sublime, particularly in the works of the Brontë sisters, where it frequently intertwines with human experiences and psychological states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nature in the Brontë novels often mirrors the inner emotional landscape of characters, illustrating their struggles and desires through physical settings.
2. The portrayal of nature can be both beautiful and harsh in Brontë works, highlighting themes of isolation as characters face the untamed wilderness.
3. Elements of nature are used symbolically in Brontë's narratives, representing freedom or entrapment depending on the character's circumstances.
4. The Romantic influence is evident in how the Brontë sisters emphasize a deep connection between humanity and nature, viewing it as a source of inspiration.
5. In Gothic contexts within their novels, nature takes on a more sinister tone, reflecting turmoil or danger that characters face in their relationships or personal journeys.

Review Questions

• How do the Brontë sisters use nature to reflect the emotional states of their characters?
  • The Brontë sisters skillfully use nature to reflect their characters' emotional turmoil. For example, in 'Wuthering Heights', the wild moors symbolize Heathcliff's passionate nature and his tumultuous relationships. When characters experience joy or despair, the surrounding landscapes often mirror these feelings, suggesting that the natural world is intricately linked to their internal struggles.
• In what ways do Gothic elements shape the portrayal of nature in Brontë novels?
  • Gothic elements in Brontë novels create a darker interpretation of nature. Settings like desolate moors or eerie mansions enhance feelings of dread and isolation. The wildness of nature often reflects chaos in human relationships, as seen in 'Jane Eyre', where the stormy weather parallels Jane's emotional conflicts. This interplay deepens the psychological depth of the narrative.
• Evaluate how the representation of nature in Brontë novels contributes to themes of freedom and entrapment.
  • The representation of nature in Brontë novels plays a critical role in exploring themes of freedom and entrapment. Characters like Jane Eyre seek solace and liberation in natural landscapes that offer escape from societal constraints. Conversely, harsh or turbulent natural settings can symbolize entrapment, reflecting characters’ internal struggles against societal norms or oppressive relationships. This duality creates a rich narrative texture that enhances the complexity of human experience.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A literary movement emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often portraying it as a source of inspiration and spiritual insight.

Gothic: A genre characterized by its use of dark settings, supernatural elements, and themes of horror and emotional intensity, often exploring the darker aspects of nature and human experience.

Sublime: Aesthetic quality that inspires awe and wonder, often associated with nature's vastness and beauty, evoking both admiration and fear.