A Transcendental Study On The View Of Nature In W.C. Bryant's Poems

Nature is an eternal and important theme in American literature. The frequent choosing of "nature" as the theme comes not by accident but with profound reasons of American history and way of thinking. The experiencing and reflecting of "nature" and its interaction with man have become the focus of American writers since the first Puritans came to the virgin America in the 17th Century. Spending his whole life in nature and applying his mind to perceive nature, W. C. Bryant presents his humility and reverence toward nature in his succinct verses. Emerson is a representative of transcendentalism and a worshiper of nature, who has always been concerned about nature's influence on human soul. On the basis of sorting out their concepts of nature, this thesis tries to explore correspondences between Bryant's poetry and Emerson's transcendental nature.The thesis includes four chapters. Chapter 1 addresses beauty of nature. Greatly attracted by beauty of nature, Bryant and Emerson both hold that natural beauty lies in its changes and completeness. This is the first correspondence between their concepts of nature. Chapter 2 discusses rationality of nature. Nature balances itself harmoniously, and operates under its independent rules. This is the second correspondence between Bryant and Emerson's concepts of nature. Chapter 3 explains the divinity of nature. Observing nature, Bryant and Emerson sensed the mystery of nature and the mysterious power governing nature. Nature is not a pure physical world, but the symbol of "God" or "Over-Soul." Chapter 4 analyzes nature's enlightenment to man. Natural beauty brings joviality to man, and motivates the poetical creation. The rational and divine nature has catharsis and restorative power. Therefore, Emerson advocates establishing equal and harmonious relations between nature and man. For Bryant, the equal and harmonious relations between nature and man are to integrate with nature. Nature is the strength and energy of man's soul. The meaning of life is to explore nature; death is the portal incorporating oneself into nature. Bryant points out man and nature are connected innately, and are essentially in one life. Man and nature are in an organic unity.This thesis aims to provide a study on the treatment of nature in Bryant's Poems from the perspective of Emerson's transcendentalism. This perspective is expected to be helpful to the understanding of Bryant's poetry.