Nature in Literature

From birth until death nature has an immense affect upon the development of everyone’s life. The same idea is demonstrated by the authors William Blake in his poem “Introduction” and by John Galsworthy in his short story The Japanese Quince. In both works it is seen how the power of nature alters the characters lives. Both pieces show how nature brings out hidden elements of the characters. The theme in both these works show how the characters are changed by nature’s compelling force.

The essence of both works demonstrates how a brush with nature can change a person’s view. In Galsworthy’s The Japanese Quince he writes, “He [Mr. Nilson] was on the point of resuming his promenade when a blackbird close by burst into song, and, looking up, Mr. Nilson saw…a little tree.” The Morning walk of Mr. Nilson is interrupted by two components of nature. What at first seems insignificant causes the character to break his normal routine. The same effect is seen in Blake’s “Introduction” where it says:

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Nilson wanted to escape nature and return to a familiar world, possibly fearing the change that nature would bring to him. In fact, nature causes the characters of both pieces to recognize an idea which has always been inside them. I feel that nature can be like a best friend. In The Japanese Quince as in “Introduction” nature was the reason for this change. If in either instance nature were removed the change would never have happened. The angry thunder of a summer storm can provide wondrous entertainment. The descriptions of “pleasant glee,” and “merry cheer,” show how the child on the cloud and nature as seen by the piper accelerated the joy he was feeling. The simple beauty of a small bird, animal or flower might provide consolation on an otherwise unbearable day. The setting creates a feeling of exuberant joy. It appears he is suggesting caution over fear. In The Japanese Quince it is written, “There…stood Mr.

Approximate Word count = 1123
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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