Comments on: Man and the Natural World: A Case Study on Literary Themes

By: Sara Letourneau

Sara Letourneau — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 13:54:00 +0000

In reply to sjhigbee.

Robinson Crusoe! It’s been ages since I read that book, so it didn’t even come to mind. But yes, that’s another great example of the “man and the natural world” theme. And in your space opera, the setting puts a whole new spin on the idea, since outer space is nothing like Earth and has its own dangers.

Thanks as always for reading and commenting, Sarah. 🙂

By: Faith Rivens

Faith Rivens — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 13:19:00 +0000

This is such a wonderfully well written article Sara! I love how you’ve explored so many different facets of nature. As Pirate Eyes is set mostly on the ocean, the element of water plays a great part in the narrative and Keira’s connection with the might of it allows for moments of wonder and hardship 🙂

This past weekend, we rewatched the Lord of the Rings extended editions and you’re right about Fangorn Forest! My sister and I were commenting on how it’s still relevant today, the deforestation and man’s need to conquer nature and how nature often has a way of striking back!
Thanks for sharing your insight! It’s always inspiring <3

By: sjhigbee

sjhigbee — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 17:15:00 +0000

You’re absolutely right in mentioning The Martian – going back to one of the main books that influenced it, Robinson Crusoe – they are both about Man versus Nature. But sometimes games can be played with this conflict, as in Carrie Vaughn’s recently released YA novel Martians Abroad, where childen born and raised on Mars return to Earth in their teens and struggle with the increased gravity, the different air quality and the fact the planet is crawling with life. I really enjoyed the way the book flipped around this classic scenario.

Another amazing post, Sarah. I really enjoyed this one as in my space
opera, this is always there… the fact that everyone in space ships is
one stupid move or unlucky breach from a sudden, agonising death. I really enjoyed the examples you gave us:)

By: Sara Letourneau

Sara Letourneau — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 16:08:00 +0000

In reply to E. E. Rawls (author).

Thanks, E.! I think this is one of my favorite theme case studies, since I love nature, too. I’m not really an outdoorsy person, but I love being out in good weather, walking, on the beach, and taking in beautiful views. Speaking of which – what a view you must have had when you lived in Italy. Wow.

And you’re right that so many novels touch on this theme. LOTR (especially The Two Towers, with Saruman’s destruction of Fangorn Forest), The Old Man and the Sea, many of Scott O’Dell’s novels… and Andy Weir’s The Martian and Jay Kristoff’s Stormdancer are good examples of more recent books showing that theme.

The Vanishing Throne! Yes, that has some amazing descriptions of its settings, especially the imagined ones like the Faerie realm in the first couple chapters. That one sent chills up my spine.

By: E. E. Rawls (author)

E. E. Rawls (author) — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 06:06:00 +0000

Wonderful article and choice of theme, Sara! Nature is such a beautiful and powerful thing, it’s no wonder so many novels are filled with it. When I lived in Italy, I could look out my window and see the Alps, and that sight has stuck with me for years ever since and has worked it’s way into my writing today. Autumn and spring are another wonderful part of nature that inspires me, the vivid colors and scents.
The Vanishing Throne novel gives wondrous descriptions of the highlands, so much so that I would love to see it for myself one day! It’s beauty impacted the characters as well as us readers.