The Pilgrim In Wilderness

John Muir (1838-1914) is honored as the "father of national parks" in America, whose contribution to American pristine wilderness conservation not only touches but also convinces both the masses and the president-Theodore Roosevelt. Muir spends his whole life in exploring and appreciating nature, especially the charm of the wilderness, which has not been trampled by human beings. In order to experience the original beauty neglected by most people, Muir adventures and wanders in the inaccessible wild areas and virgin forests; in the meantime, his habit of taking notes during the journey provides firsthand materials for his classic works, which have been acclaimed as words that move the whole country. Muir devotes his whole life to the wilderness not only for himself but also to inspire and awaken people’s aesthetic and environmental awareness.My First Summer in the Sierra records Muir’s intuitive feelings in Yosemite in the form of diaries. Through a thoroughly analysis of My First Summer in the Sierra, this thesis aims to probe into John Muir’s ecological views from the perspective of ecocriticism. Muir’s various adventures in the wilderness always overlap the cues of holy pilgrimage, in other words, his journeys can be considered as travels in search for the "Holy Grail". The main motivation of his writings is to present the eternal beauty and undoubted holiness of the wilderness, accordingly changing humans’ attitudes towards nature.The thesis consists of an introduction, a main body and a conclusion:The first part is the introduction, in which the author addresses John Muir’s life, contribution and his literal works. What’s more, former relative researches about Muir and My First Summer in the Sierra are also reviewed briefly.The body consists of four chapters:The first chapter deals with the relative theories adopted by the thesis:the concept of wilderness, the ecological lifestyle, holism and the main principles of ecological aesthetics, which overturns the traditional aesthetics. The second chapter explores Muir’s views on nature:the unique views on nature tinged with his strong pantheism, relentless criticism towards selfish human-centered utilitarianism and his recognition of the enlightenment of the wilderness. Muir believes that compared with domestic animals, wild animals are more blessed with holiness and intelligence. Furthermore, Muir thinks that real churches are located in the untainted wilderness, where spirits of humans can reach the real purification and freedom. Materialized hearts are the cancered organs which insulate to the sermons preached by holy wilderness.The third chapter reveals the irresistible charm of the wilderness advocated in My First Summer in the Sierra from the prospective of ecological aesthetics. Muir insists that humans should appreciate nature with the guide of holism and pay attention to nature itself instead of focusing on its artistic value. Besides, in order to experience nature thoroughly, humans should immerse themselves in nature instead of acting as outsiders. Besides, the relative science knowledge and historical background is also crucial during the whole appreciation.In the fourth chapter, the author analyses the different lifestyles depicted in My First Summer in the Sierra and recognizes the ideal lifestyle Muir yearns for. Muir holds a paradoxical opinion towards Indians and sympathizes with shepherds’humble life and their callousness towards the wilderness. Muir wishes that he can be carefree and eternal just like trees and stars, and that he can wander in the holy wilderness and listen to the songs of nature, accordingly identifying with the wilderness.The last part is the conclusion. My First Summer in the Sierra records Muir’s experience in the wilderness, it is not only a common ecological reader, but also can be a motivation to inspire people to set the trivial, busy life aside and sense the vitality and meaning of life. In the wilderness, people can hear the sermons from God, realize the intelligence of all creatures, reexamine the essence of life, and release themselves from the agony in the past and the anxiety about future.