Relevance and Reflections of Nature in Literature

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that since time immemorial, literature has had a close affinity with human as well as physical environment. This physical environment creates conducive conditions for the survival of life. Without this environment no life would have ever existed. But, unfortunately, today our environment is facing lot of challenges as a result of industrialisation, development, etc.  It is, therefore, indeed imperative for us to understand the significance and value of our environment and put all our efforts for its sustenance and development.  Since literature is supposed to be one of the best mediums for communicating message to the people and so an impetus is being given to this issue in the subject in order to spread the awareness of the importance of environment. Therefore, literary theories like ecocriticism and ecofeminism are coming up in order to divert our attention and awareness towards the indispensable role of the Nature in our lives. Nature has always had a special representation in literature by the writers from classical period to the present age. The ‘nature writing’ has been an indispensable part of the Romantic poets also called the ‘nature poets’ like Wordsworth, Keats, Coleridge, Shelley, etc. The sublime representation of Nature in their works that adds aestheticism gives the audience an ecstatic joy. It is imperative to comprehend the significance of the environment in which we are living. As a conducive environment is important for our healthy living so all the required precautions and measures should be taken into consideration for its sustainable development.