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🌄World Literature II

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11.5 Environmental literature

9 min readLast Updated on August 21, 2024

Environmental literature emerged as a response to growing concerns about human impact on nature. This genre draws from various traditions, reflecting changing attitudes towards the environment and providing insights into global perspectives on human-nature relationships.

In World Literature II, environmental literature explores themes like human vs nature conflicts, ecological interconnectedness, and environmental justice. Key authors like Rachel Carson and Aldo Leopold have shaped the field, influencing public perception and environmental policy.

Origins of environmental literature

  • Environmental literature emerged as a distinct genre in response to growing concerns about human impact on nature
  • This literary movement draws from various historical and philosophical traditions, reflecting changing attitudes towards the environment
  • In World Literature II, environmental literature provides insights into global perspectives on nature and human-environment relationships

Early nature writing

Top images from around the web for Early nature writing
Top images from around the web for Early nature writing
  • Emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as explorers and naturalists documented their observations
  • Gilbert White's "The Natural History of Selborne" (1789) pioneered detailed local nature observations
  • John James Audubon's "Birds of America" (1827-1838) combined scientific accuracy with artistic representation
  • Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" (1854) explored simple living in natural surroundings
  • Focused on detailed descriptions of flora, fauna, and natural phenomena

Transcendentalism and romanticism

  • Transcendentalism emphasized spiritual connection with nature (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller)
  • Romantic poets celebrated nature's beauty and power (William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
  • Influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of the "noble savage" and idealization of nature
  • Emphasized emotional responses to nature and critiqued industrialization's impact
  • Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" (1855) exemplified the merging of transcendentalist and romantic ideals

Conservation movement influences

  • John Muir's writings advocated for wilderness preservation and national parks
  • Gifford Pinchot promoted sustainable resource management and conservation ethics
  • Theodore Roosevelt's policies reflected growing public interest in environmental protection
  • Mary Austin's "The Land of Little Rain" (1903) highlighted desert ecology and indigenous perspectives
  • Influenced development of environmental organizations (Sierra Club, Audubon Society)

Themes in environmental literature

  • Environmental literature explores the complex relationships between humans and the natural world
  • These works often challenge anthropocentric worldviews and promote ecological awareness
  • In World Literature II, these themes provide a framework for examining global environmental issues

Human vs nature

  • Explores conflicts between human development and natural ecosystems
  • Examines the consequences of human attempts to control or exploit nature
  • Jack London's "To Build a Fire" (1908) depicts human vulnerability in harsh natural environments
  • Edward Abbey's works critique human encroachment on wilderness areas
  • Analyzes the psychological and philosophical implications of human-nature interactions

Ecological interconnectedness

  • Emphasizes the interdependence of all living organisms and ecosystems
  • Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" (1962) highlighted the far-reaching impacts of pesticides
  • James Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis influenced literary depictions of Earth as a self-regulating system
  • Barbara Kingsolver's "Flight Behavior" (2012) explores the effects of climate change on monarch butterflies
  • Promotes systems thinking and holistic approaches to environmental issues

Environmental justice

  • Addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities
  • Ken Saro-Wiwa's writings exposed environmental degradation in the Niger Delta
  • Linda Hogan's "Solar Storms" (1995) explores indigenous perspectives on environmental exploitation
  • Examines intersections of race, class, and environmental issues
  • Highlights grassroots movements and community-based environmental activism

Wilderness preservation

  • Advocates for the protection of untouched natural areas
  • John Muir's writings influenced the establishment of national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia)
  • Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire" (1968) passionately defended wilderness areas
  • Critiques the commodification and commercialization of nature
  • Explores the spiritual and psychological benefits of wilderness experiences

Key authors and works

  • These influential authors and their works have shaped the field of environmental literature
  • Their writings have had significant impacts on public perception and environmental policy
  • In World Literature II, these works provide foundational texts for understanding environmental themes

Rachel Carson's Silent Spring

  • Published in 1962, exposed the harmful effects of pesticides on ecosystems
  • Focused on the impact of DDT on bird populations, particularly bald eagles
  • Challenged the chemical industry and sparked public debate on environmental issues
  • Led to the ban of DDT and influenced the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency
  • Pioneered the use of scientific research in environmental advocacy writing

Aldo Leopold's Sand County Almanac

  • Published posthumously in 1949, introduced the concept of the "land ethic"
  • Advocated for a holistic approach to conservation and ecosystem management
  • Divided into three parts: phenological observations, philosophical essays, and conservation principles
  • Influenced the development of modern ecology and environmental ethics
  • Promoted the idea of humans as part of, rather than separate from, the natural world

Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire

  • Published in 1968, based on Abbey's experiences as a park ranger in Utah
  • Critiqued the commercialization and industrialization of national parks
  • Combined poetic descriptions of desert landscapes with sharp social commentary
  • Influenced the radical environmental movement and eco-sabotage tactics
  • Explored themes of solitude, wilderness preservation, and resistance to development

Literary techniques

  • Environmental literature employs various literary devices to convey ecological themes
  • These techniques help readers engage with complex environmental issues on an emotional level
  • In World Literature II, analyzing these techniques provides insights into cross-cultural approaches to nature writing

Nature as character

  • Personifies natural elements, giving them agency and personality
  • Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Word for World is Forest" (1972) depicts a sentient forest ecosystem
  • Richard Powers' "The Overstory" (2018) features trees as central characters
  • Emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature beyond human utility
  • Challenges anthropocentric perspectives by giving voice to non-human entities

Ecocriticism in analysis

  • Applies ecological concepts to the study of literature and cultural artifacts
  • Examines how texts represent nature and human-environment relationships
  • Lawrence Buell's "The Environmental Imagination" (1995) established key principles of ecocriticism
  • Analyzes the role of literature in shaping environmental values and attitudes
  • Explores intersections between environmental and postcolonial studies

Pastoral vs anti-pastoral

  • Pastoral tradition idealizes rural life and harmonious relationships with nature
  • Anti-pastoral critiques romanticized views of nature and rural existence
  • Raymond Williams' "The Country and the City" (1973) analyzed the evolution of pastoral literature
  • Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony" (1977) subverts pastoral tropes from an indigenous perspective
  • Examines tensions between idealized and realistic portrayals of human-nature interactions

Global perspectives

  • Environmental literature encompasses diverse cultural and geographical viewpoints
  • These perspectives challenge Western-centric narratives of nature and environmentalism
  • In World Literature II, exploring global environmental literature broadens understanding of ecological issues

Indigenous environmental literature

  • Draws on traditional ecological knowledge and spiritual connections to land
  • Linda Hogan's "Solar Storms" (1995) explores Native American environmental perspectives
  • Alexis Wright's "Carpentaria" (2006) incorporates Aboriginal Australian views of nature
  • Emphasizes long-term, sustainable relationships with ecosystems
  • Critiques colonial and capitalist approaches to land and resource management

Postcolonial ecocriticism

  • Examines environmental issues through the lens of colonial history and power dynamics
  • Amitav Ghosh's "The Hungry Tide" (2004) explores environmental conflicts in the Sundarbans
  • Rob Nixon's concept of "slow violence" addresses gradual environmental degradation
  • Analyzes how colonial legacies impact current environmental challenges
  • Highlights environmental justice issues in formerly colonized regions

Climate fiction (cli-fi)

  • Explores the impacts of climate change through speculative narratives
  • Margaret Atwood's "MaddAddam" trilogy (2003-2013) depicts a post-apocalyptic world shaped by environmental collapse
  • Kim Stanley Robinson's "New York 2140" (2017) imagines a future city adapted to sea-level rise
  • Combines scientific projections with imaginative storytelling
  • Raises awareness of potential climate change scenarios and their societal implications

Environmental poetry

  • Poetry offers unique ways to express environmental themes and emotions
  • Poetic forms can capture the beauty, complexity, and urgency of ecological issues
  • In World Literature II, environmental poetry provides insights into cultural attitudes towards nature

Haiku and nature

  • Traditional Japanese form emphasizing seasonal imagery and natural observations
  • Matsuo Basho's haiku exemplify deep engagement with natural phenomena
  • Western poets (Gary Snyder, Richard Wright) adapted haiku for environmental themes
  • Focuses on concise, vivid depictions of nature and human-nature interactions
  • Encourages mindfulness and attention to subtle changes in the environment

Eco-poetry movement

  • Emerged in the late 20th century as a response to environmental crises
  • Jonathan Skinner coined the term "ecopoetics" to describe poetry engaging with ecological issues
  • Brenda Hillman's "Seasonal Works with Letters on Fire" (2013) explores environmental activism through poetry
  • Incorporates scientific language and concepts into poetic forms
  • Experiments with form and language to represent ecological processes and relationships

Anthropocene in verse

  • Addresses the human-dominated geological epoch and its environmental implications
  • Juliana Spahr's "That Winter the Wolf Came" (2015) explores climate change and social justice
  • Alice Oswald's "Dart" (2002) traces a river's journey, blending human and natural voices
  • Examines human impact on geological and ecological systems
  • Challenges traditional nature poetry by incorporating industrial and urban imagery

Non-fiction environmental writing

  • Non-fiction environmental literature combines scientific knowledge with compelling narratives
  • These works play a crucial role in educating the public about environmental issues
  • In World Literature II, non-fiction environmental writing provides context for understanding global ecological challenges

Nature essays

  • Blend personal observations with scientific and philosophical reflections
  • Annie Dillard's "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" (1974) explores the natural world through detailed observations
  • Barry Lopez's "Arctic Dreams" (1986) examines the cultural and ecological significance of the Arctic
  • Often incorporate elements of memoir and travel writing
  • Encourage readers to develop their own connections with nature

Environmental journalism

  • Investigates and reports on environmental issues for a broad audience
  • Elizabeth Kolbert's "The Sixth Extinction" (2014) examines ongoing mass extinction events
  • Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything" (2014) analyzes climate change and capitalism
  • Combines in-depth research with compelling storytelling techniques
  • Raises public awareness of pressing environmental concerns and policy issues

Scientific writing for public

  • Translates complex scientific concepts into accessible language for general readers
  • E.O. Wilson's "The Diversity of Life" (1992) explains biodiversity and conservation biology
  • Bill McKibben's "The End of Nature" (1989) introduced climate change to a wide audience
  • Often incorporates personal anecdotes and analogies to explain scientific principles
  • Bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding of environmental issues

Environmental literature in media

  • Environmental themes have expanded beyond traditional literature into various media forms
  • These adaptations and new formats reach broader audiences and utilize diverse storytelling techniques
  • In World Literature II, examining environmental literature in media provides insights into global popular culture

Film adaptations

  • Translate environmental literary works into visual narratives
  • "Silent Running" (1972) drew inspiration from environmental themes in Rachel Carson's work
  • "Never Cry Wolf" (1983) adapted Farley Mowat's book on Arctic wolf research
  • Often simplify complex environmental issues for mainstream audiences
  • Can increase public awareness of environmental literature and issues

Nature documentaries

  • Present scientific information and environmental concerns through visual storytelling
  • David Attenborough's "Blue Planet II" (2017) highlighted ocean plastic pollution
  • "An Inconvenient Truth" (2006) adapted Al Gore's climate change presentations
  • Combine stunning visuals with educational content to engage viewers
  • Often include calls to action for environmental protection and conservation

Digital eco-narratives

  • Utilize interactive and multimedia platforms to explore environmental themes
  • "Bear 71" (2012) combines documentary footage with interactive storytelling to explore wildlife-human interactions
  • "Walden, a game" (2017) adapts Thoreau's work into an immersive digital experience
  • Incorporate data visualization and augmented reality to illustrate environmental concepts
  • Engage younger audiences through gamification of environmental education

Impact and legacy

  • Environmental literature has significantly influenced public perception and policy
  • The genre continues to evolve, addressing new ecological challenges and perspectives
  • In World Literature II, examining the impact of environmental literature provides insights into global environmental movements

Environmental policy influence

  • Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" led to the ban of DDT and creation of the EPA
  • Edward Abbey's works inspired the radical environmental group Earth First!
  • Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" raised global awareness of climate change
  • Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything" influenced climate justice movements
  • Environmental literature often provides scientific basis for policy recommendations

Public awareness and activism

  • Increased public understanding of complex environmental issues
  • Inspired formation of environmental organizations (Greenpeace, 350.org)
  • Encouraged individual action and lifestyle changes for sustainability
  • Fostered global solidarity around shared environmental concerns
  • Highlighted connections between social justice and environmental issues

Eco-literacy development

  • Promoted integration of environmental education in school curricula
  • David Orr's writings emphasized importance of ecological knowledge in education
  • Richard Louv's "Last Child in the Woods" (2005) sparked nature-based education movement
  • Encouraged development of interdisciplinary environmental studies programs
  • Fostered critical thinking skills for addressing complex ecological challenges

Key Terms to Review (38)

Aldo Leopold: Aldo Leopold was an influential American ecologist, forester, and environmentalist, best known for his book 'A Sand County Almanac' which helped to shape the modern conservation movement. His ideas emphasized the importance of land ethics and the interconnectedness of all living things, advocating for a responsible relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Anthropocene in Verse: The Anthropocene in Verse refers to poetry and literary works that reflect the Anthropocene epoch, a term used to describe the current geological age viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment. This form of literature emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and nature, often critiquing environmental degradation and exploring themes of ecological crisis, sustainability, and human responsibility.
Anthropocentrism: Anthropocentrism is the belief that human beings are the central or most significant entities in the world, placing humans above all other forms of life and nature. This perspective shapes how individuals and societies interact with the environment, often leading to the exploitation of natural resources for human benefit. It contrasts with ecocentric views that recognize the intrinsic value of all living beings and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Biocentrism: Biocentrism is an ethical perspective that places intrinsic value on all living beings and the ecosystems they inhabit, asserting that life and nature deserve moral consideration. This viewpoint challenges anthropocentrism, which prioritizes human interests above all else, and emphasizes interconnectedness among species and the environment. Biocentrism promotes the idea that humans are part of a larger ecological community and should act in ways that preserve and respect the balance of nature.
Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the different species, genetic variations, and ecosystems that exist. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting ecosystem services, and enhancing resilience to environmental changes. Understanding biodiversity is essential in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Climate change: Climate change refers to significant alterations in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These changes can result in severe environmental consequences, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Climate fiction (cli-fi): Climate fiction, often referred to as cli-fi, is a literary genre that explores the impacts of climate change and environmental issues through storytelling. It serves to raise awareness about the effects of global warming and environmental degradation, encouraging readers to engage with these urgent topics. This genre often uses speculative narratives to depict potential futures influenced by climate change, highlighting human experiences and responses to ecological crises.
Deforestation: Deforestation is the large-scale removal or clearing of forested land, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land. This process can lead to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and contributes significantly to climate change. The issue is deeply connected to environmental literature as it explores the impacts of human activity on nature, the urgency of conservation efforts, and the moral responsibility we have to protect our planet.
Desert solitaire: Desert Solitaire is a reflective work by Edward Abbey that captures his experiences as a park ranger in the American Southwest, particularly in Arches National Park. This book intertwines personal narrative with philosophical insights about nature, solitude, and the human relationship with the environment, promoting a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Eco-criticism: Eco-criticism is a literary and cultural theory that examines the relationship between literature and the environment, focusing on how texts portray nature and our interactions with it. This perspective looks at environmental themes within literary works and critiques how cultural narratives shape our understanding of ecological issues, often highlighting the impact of colonialism and capitalism on the natural world.
Eco-poetry movement: The eco-poetry movement is a literary trend that emphasizes the relationship between poetry and the environment, advocating for ecological awareness and sustainability. This movement often uses vivid imagery and language to connect readers to nature and raise consciousness about environmental issues, blending aesthetic beauty with political advocacy.
Ecocriticism: Ecocriticism is a critical approach that examines the relationship between literature and the environment, focusing on how nature is represented in literary works. It seeks to understand the impact of ecological issues on narratives and characters, analyzing how these texts reflect, reinforce, or challenge human interactions with the natural world.
Ecological interconnectedness: Ecological interconnectedness refers to the complex relationships and dependencies among living organisms and their environments, highlighting how each component of an ecosystem influences one another. This concept emphasizes the idea that changes in one part of an ecosystem can have ripple effects throughout, underscoring the importance of balance and harmony within natural systems. Recognizing these connections can lead to greater awareness of environmental issues and a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts.
Ecopoetry: Ecopoetry is a genre of poetry that emphasizes the relationship between nature and human beings, often addressing environmental issues and advocating for ecological awareness. It seeks to highlight the interconnectedness of life, urging readers to reflect on their relationship with the environment and consider the impact of human actions on the natural world.
Edward Abbey: Edward Abbey was an influential American author and environmentalist known for his passionate advocacy for the protection of wilderness and critique of industrial society. His writings, particularly 'Desert Solitaire' and 'The Monkey Wrench Gang,' blend personal narrative with strong environmental themes, encouraging readers to connect with nature and fight against environmental degradation.
Environmental Journalism: Environmental journalism is a specialized field of reporting that focuses on environmental issues, covering topics like climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and conservation. It aims to inform the public about environmental problems, advocate for sustainable practices, and hold businesses and governments accountable for their actions affecting the environment. This type of journalism often combines scientific research with storytelling to engage audiences in discussions about critical ecological matters.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws, regulations, and policies, ensuring that everyone has access to a healthy environment regardless of race, color, income, or national origin. It emphasizes the need to address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities and seeks to empower these groups in decision-making processes related to environmental issues.
Environmental Literature: Environmental literature refers to a genre of writing that focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, highlighting environmental issues, conservation efforts, and the impact of human activity on ecosystems. This type of literature often seeks to raise awareness about ecological concerns and inspire a sense of responsibility towards the environment through storytelling, poetry, essays, and other forms of writing.
Haiku and Nature: Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that captures a moment in nature, typically consisting of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. This poetic style emphasizes simplicity, brevity, and a deep connection to the natural world, often evoking emotions and insights through vivid imagery and seasonal references. Haikus serve as a powerful medium for expressing humanity's relationship with the environment, making them significant in the context of environmental literature.
Human vs Nature: Human vs nature refers to the conflict between human beings and the natural world, often highlighting the struggle for survival, dominance, or harmony. This term explores themes of how human actions impact the environment and how nature reacts to those actions, leading to various consequences for both humanity and the ecosystem. In literature, this conflict is often depicted through characters grappling with natural forces or ethical dilemmas related to environmental stewardship.
Imagery: Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that creates vivid mental pictures, appealing to the senses to evoke emotions and convey meaning. It is a powerful tool in literature that helps to enhance the reader's experience by immersing them in the world of the text, making abstract ideas more tangible and relatable.
Indigenous environmental literature: Indigenous environmental literature refers to literary works that express the cultural, spiritual, and ecological perspectives of Indigenous peoples regarding their relationship with the land and environment. This type of literature often emphasizes the importance of traditional ecological knowledge and advocates for environmental justice, highlighting the impact of colonialism and modern development on Indigenous lands and resources.
John Muir: John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, and environmental activist, best known for his advocacy of the preservation of wilderness in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His writings and efforts played a crucial role in the establishment of national parks and the conservation movement, inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature and its protection.
Nature as character: Nature as character refers to the literary device where the natural environment is personified or given characteristics that influence the story's events, themes, and characters. This concept illustrates how nature interacts with human experiences, often reflecting or contrasting with the emotions and motivations of characters, thereby serving as an essential element in storytelling.
Nature essays: Nature essays are a form of literary writing that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. They often blend personal reflection with observations of nature, highlighting its beauty, complexity, and the environmental challenges it faces. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, these essays aim to deepen readers' appreciation for nature and encourage them to consider their role in its preservation.
Nature writing: Nature writing is a literary genre that focuses on the depiction of the natural environment and the relationship between humans and nature. It emphasizes the beauty, complexity, and importance of the natural world, often reflecting themes of environmental awareness, conservation, and the interconnectedness of all living things. This genre serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper philosophical questions about humanity's place in nature.
Pastoral vs Anti-Pastoral: Pastoral refers to a literary and artistic style that idealizes rural life, often depicting serene landscapes, shepherds, and the beauty of nature. In contrast, anti-pastoral challenges these idyllic representations, highlighting the harsh realities and complexities of rural existence, questioning the simplicity of pastoral themes. This dynamic relationship between pastoral and anti-pastoral can be significant in understanding environmental literature, as it reflects humanity's evolving perceptions of nature and our place within it.
Pollution: Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the natural environment, which can result in adverse effects on ecosystems, human health, and the climate. It encompasses various forms, including air, water, and soil pollution, highlighting the interaction between human activities and environmental degradation. Understanding pollution is crucial in addressing the broader environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Postcolonial ecocriticism: Postcolonial ecocriticism is an interdisciplinary approach that examines the relationship between literature, culture, and the environment in postcolonial contexts. It explores how colonial histories and legacies impact ecological narratives and environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of indigenous voices and perspectives in understanding ecological crises. This approach seeks to highlight the interconnectedness of cultural identity, environmental degradation, and social justice within postcolonial societies.
Rachel Carson: Rachel Carson was an influential American marine biologist, conservationist, and author known for her groundbreaking work in environmental literature, particularly her book 'Silent Spring' published in 1962. This book played a key role in raising awareness about the dangers of pesticide use and its effects on the environment, ultimately leading to a significant shift in public perception regarding environmental conservation and policy.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and the past. This movement reacted against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and industrialization, promoting creativity and imagination in various forms of expression.
Scientific writing for public: Scientific writing for public refers to the process of communicating scientific information in a way that is accessible, engaging, and understandable to a non-specialist audience. This type of writing aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and everyday understanding, making it vital in promoting environmental awareness and fostering informed public discussions about scientific issues.
Silent Spring: Silent Spring is a groundbreaking environmental book written by Rachel Carson and published in 1962, which raised public awareness about the dangers of pesticide use and its impact on the environment. This pivotal work highlighted the interconnectedness of humans and nature, illustrating how chemical pollutants can lead to devastating consequences for wildlife and ecosystems, thus playing a crucial role in the environmental movement.
Sustainability: Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment. This concept emphasizes the balance between ecological, social, and economic systems to ensure that future generations can meet their needs. In environmental literature, sustainability is often portrayed as a vital theme that advocates for responsible resource management and the protection of natural ecosystems.
Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary device that uses symbols to represent ideas, concepts, or qualities beyond their literal meaning. It allows writers to convey deeper meanings and emotions through objects, characters, or events, enriching the narrative and engaging readers on multiple levels.
Transcendentalism: Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the belief in individual intuition and the spiritual over the empirical. This movement sought to transcend the limits of traditional society and promote a deeper understanding of existence through personal experience and connection with nature, which connects it to various literary styles and themes of Romanticism.
Walden: Walden is a reflective work by Henry David Thoreau, published in 1854, that details his experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond in Massachusetts for two years. The book emphasizes themes of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and the connection between humanity and nature, making it a foundational text in environmental literature.
Wilderness preservation: Wilderness preservation refers to the practice of protecting natural areas from human development and exploitation, aiming to maintain their ecological integrity and intrinsic value. This concept emphasizes the importance of safeguarding wild spaces for biodiversity, recreation, and cultural heritage, highlighting the need for conservation efforts that respect the inherent worth of nature beyond its economic utility.
Aldo Leopold
See definition

Aldo Leopold was an influential American ecologist, forester, and environmentalist, best known for his book 'A Sand County Almanac' which helped to shape the modern conservation movement. His ideas emphasized the importance of land ethics and the interconnectedness of all living things, advocating for a responsible relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Term 1 of 38

Aldo Leopold
See definition

Aldo Leopold was an influential American ecologist, forester, and environmentalist, best known for his book 'A Sand County Almanac' which helped to shape the modern conservation movement. His ideas emphasized the importance of land ethics and the interconnectedness of all living things, advocating for a responsible relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Term 1 of 38



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© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.