And now into the fray...
Each semester is naturally different from those previous, but this is radically different for me. I am currently immersed in three or four-ish different movements of literature, which makes my semester a little like the gyre. However, this gyre is fascinating and frightening and beautiful. In my mind rages a war among the Medievals, Romantics, and the Moderns--and each of the opponents has something to say about nature or Nature (thanks, Wordsworth).
CS Lewis and Schuler have shown me over the last week that the Medievals have a place for everything and everything must be put in its right place...which they accomplish, but according to their own Model (go listen to Radiohead when you feel like figuring out this Model, ugh). As one who is utterly obsessed with the Middle Ages, something about this Model invites me in. Everything has been given a purpose; the society that bore them has their significance built into its cycle through history. Something about that is desirable to me, but I think I may be speaking that from weariness of seeking my purpose. Nature has its purpose; she is everything but nothing. "By surrendering the dull claim to be everything, she becomes somebody." And according to the Model, all things have a place within her. There is no room for mystery.
Next, I have Wordsworth traipsing through the woods to find a plot of land untouched by society, this place where he can simply be and dwell for a little while. Then he destroys it. Not really sure what to do with that, but he does respect Nature regardless of his slip in "Nutting". In "Tintern Abbey", he prays to Nature. Not in a deifying way, but a veneration of her for what she shows him about himself through his memories that include her and also the effects she (Nature) will have on his sister.
Then, Strauss...modernity insists that it is man who can be both potter and clay for lack of a better or non-Biblical reference--not that I equate Lady Natura with God. That would be nonsensical and stupid. Strauss reveals to us that "man's humanity is not due to nature but to history, to the historical process, a singular or unique process which is not teleological." The Medievals also uphold history, perhaps even more so than the Moderns. The difference is in the purpose of nature/Nature. The modern man defines his own purpose, and tells Nature what hers is as well. Everything and nothing?
There are loopholes in everything I just said, and I could sit here and point them out. But my blog would be obnoxiously long, and no one wants that.
COMMENTED ON MALLORY'S
Just gonna say I have loved this class so far, I really enjoy the open discussion and student teacher interaction. It's more than just listening to a lecture for an hour and a half- its everyone contributing and giving input. :)
ReplyDeleteI think man fears nature because he can't control it and being able to have control is a desire that we can't help. I suppose that some fear the comparison of nature and man because that would be saying you can't control man.