Well, they usually show man's tenacity. Take 'Into the Wild' for example. The protagonist tries to survive in the wild, alone against nature. And the settings in such novels are often harsh, like deserts or icy tundras. The characters have to use their wits and strength to endure. And these novels can also make us think about our relationship with nature, whether we should respect it more or try to conquer it.
One characteristic is the portrayal of human struggle. In these novels, humans often face extreme natural conditions like storms in 'The Old Man and the Sea'. Another is the exploration of human limits. The characters are pushed to their physical and mental boundaries while fighting nature. Also, there's a sense of the power of nature. These novels show that nature can be both beautiful and terrifyingly powerful.
Well, in an 'against nature novel', one characteristic could be the distortion of natural relationships. This can mean abnormal family relationships or social hierarchies that are not based on natural development. It might also involve the violation of ecological balance. For instance, a story where a species has been genetically modified to such an extent that it disrupts the entire ecosystem of the fictional world.
One example is 'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway. In this story, the old fisherman Santiago battles against the vast and unforgiving sea to catch a giant marlin. Another is 'Moby - Dick' where Captain Ahab is obsessed with hunting the great white whale in the dangerous and unpredictable ocean.
Sure. 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London is a great one. It tells the story of a dog's journey in the wild Yukon. Another is 'Moby - Dick' which is about the obsessive hunt for a great white whale. And 'Lord of the Flies' also has elements of man against nature as the boys are stranded on an island and have to deal with nature while also facing their own inner demons.
Man against nature stories reflect human nature in multiple ways. Take 'Robinson Crusoe' for instance. His efforts to build a new life on the island despite the hardships show his adaptability. Also, the fear and respect for nature that characters in these stories exhibit are part of human nature. We are both in awe of nature's power and yet determined to make our mark. These stories also show our creativity in finding ways to survive against nature's challenges, like how Crusoe makes tools from the resources around him.
Nature novels often have vivid descriptions of the natural environment. For example, they might describe the colors of the sky at dawn, the sounds of a forest, or the flow of a river. Another characteristic is that they usually involve the relationship between humans and nature, like how people depend on nature for survival or how nature can influence people's emotions.
He might be very self - sufficient. Since he is raised in nature, he has to rely on his own skills to find food, build shelter and protect himself. So he can do a lot of things independently. He would also be very observant of his surroundings, knowing when the weather is changing or where the best hunting grounds are.
Classic nature novels often have detailed descriptions of the natural environment. For example, in 'Walden', Thoreau vividly describes the seasons around Walden Pond, like the spring thaw and the winter snow. They also tend to explore the relationship between humans and nature. In 'The Call of the Wild', Buck's transformation shows how nature can shape a being. Another characteristic is that they may carry a message about conservation or the importance of nature, like 'Silent Spring' which warns about the harm of pesticides to nature.
Nature based novels typically feature nature as a character in its own right. In 'The Overstory', the trees are almost like characters with their own stories and personalities. These novels also tend to explore the relationship between humans and nature. Sometimes it's a harmonious relationship, like in 'The Secret Garden' where the garden heals the characters. Other times it can be a struggle, such as in 'The Call of the Wild' where Buck has to fight for survival in the wild. And they often contain a lot of sensory details about nature, like the smell of fresh rain on the grass or the sound of birds singing.
Contemporary novels are marked by their relevance to the modern world. They capture the zeitgeist, exploring topics like technology, relationships, and identity. They might employ innovative structures and writing styles to stand out and offer fresh perspectives on contemporary life.
One interesting man and nature story is about Henry David Thoreau. He lived in a cabin near Walden Pond for two years. Thoreau immersed himself in nature, observing the changing seasons, the wildlife around him like the loons on the pond. His experience led him to write 'Walden', which inspired many to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of nature and our connection to it.