The Role of Nature in Literature

"THE LIP OF SEASHORE" by FA

The natural world has always been an important subject for poets and prose writers. Nature serves as much more than simply a passive setting against which compelling actions unfold or a pretty backdrop or setting in the natural world (Smith, 2009). Rather, nature in all of the poems and essays is truthfully a living character through which human identity is constructed either through the characters’ alignment with the natural world or their struggle against it.

In the works of art, nature generally functions as background of place and time, and also theme. But as what has been mentioned earlier that poem as an artifact of culture product of society is also influenced by its social system. People of British in 18th century, for example, thanks literature for giving contribution in developing economic system of the country through works that most of them are achievement oriented (Koentjaraningrat, 1985). Obviously, literature has considered as important things in that environment. However, it is different from Indonesia that has long-dark history in its development. Mystical, paradox, traditionalism shackle, and other characteristic have yet made literature as important part of people product. In other words, literature is not popular among the citizens (Alwasilah, 2001). Surely, the system of education contributes to this condition.       

In addition, nature in certain case is portrayed as a beneficent living force that can –if it is studied and understood through careful and intentional reflection—offer enduring lessons about what it means to be human (Smith, 2009). This statement emerges from the works of Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman. Off nature, these writers have their own perception. As same as Emerson, in example, Thoreau believes that the highest law is not that created by men, but that which is ordained by nature. For Whitman, Nature without checks with original energy is an inspiring model by which he would like to live. In essentials, nature is viewed as possessing all the knowledge that man needs to know, if only he is attentive and willing enough to study its messages and apply them to his life (ibid, 2009).

Moreover, in connection with the role of nature in literature, Kate Rigby through her article “Introducing Criticism at the 21st Century” (2002) punctiliously explains the different usage of nature. Nature presents in literature as (1) commodification, (2) symbolic/narrative treatments, (3) background images with symbolic meanings, (4) ‘realistic’ description or hardship, (5) ‘natural’ existence (6) symbolic quest from a literal journey, (7) landscape and symbols, and as (8) frames and symbol. Those usages basically lay within the work of each literary art. 

Likely, it is not impossible to make nature as part of life style in the same manner as literature as product that reflects people’s culture. Nature in this case is environment surrounds us; it can be a medium that effectively delivers idea or thoughts of the author as part of the community. Furthermore, through intimate relationship with the natural world, people are able to construct their own identities and their philosophies about how to live a right life in the natural world. The treatment of people play significant role in living a life that is the same as the role of literature that functions nature as idealized elements of aesthetics live. (*Saswaloka*)