Nature as a character

Definition

Nature as a character refers to the portrayal of the natural world in literature as an entity that influences the narrative and the characters within it. This concept highlights how nature can take on a personality, affect human emotions, and drive the plot forward, serving as more than just a backdrop but as an active participant in the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many works of literature, nature is depicted as a powerful force that can reflect or amplify human emotions, such as stormy weather representing turmoil or calm landscapes symbolizing peace.
2. Nature as a character often embodies themes of conflict, harmony, and the struggle between humanity and the environment, showcasing the complex relationship between people and the natural world.
3. Literary examples where nature acts as a character include works like 'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway and 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London, where the environment significantly impacts the protagonist's journey.
4. The portrayal of nature as a character can influence readers' perceptions of both nature and humanity's role within it, often evoking empathy or reflection on environmental concerns.
5. This literary device is particularly prevalent in Romantic literature, where authors often emphasized the beauty and power of nature, using it to explore deeper philosophical ideas about existence and human emotion.

Review Questions

• How does nature function as a character in literature, particularly in relation to human emotions?
  • Nature functions as a character by mirroring or amplifying human emotions within a narrative. For example, during moments of despair, a storm may rage outside, symbolizing inner turmoil. This interplay allows readers to connect more deeply with both the characters and their experiences, illustrating how the external environment can reflect internal states.
• Discuss the significance of personification in representing nature as a character in literary works.
  • Personification is significant because it allows writers to give nature human-like qualities, making it relatable and impactful in the story. By attributing emotions or intentions to natural elements, authors can create a stronger bond between characters and their surroundings. This technique emphasizes how nature influences characters' actions and decisions, reinforcing its role as an active participant in the narrative.
• Evaluate how ecocriticism can enhance our understanding of nature as a character in literature.
  • Ecocriticism enhances our understanding of nature as a character by analyzing how literary texts portray environmental themes and human relationships with nature. It encourages readers to consider the implications of these representations on contemporary environmental issues. Through this lens, we see nature not only as a backdrop but as an influential force that shapes narratives and reflects societal values regarding the environment.

Related terms

Personification:

A literary device where human traits and characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, often used to depict nature as a character.

Ecocriticism:

A critical approach that examines literature through the lens of environmental issues, often focusing on how nature is represented and its relationship with humans.

Setting:

The time and place in which a story occurs, which can include natural elements that play a significant role in shaping the narrative.