Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur’s “Letters from an American Farmer,” and William Bartram’s “From Travels Through North & South Carolina, Georgia, East & West Florida” are two works that seek to examine the environment through the interaction and experience with different animals. Each author adopts a romantic view throughout his experience, vividly describing the beauty behind the species they come in contact with. However, these two writers deviate from one another once the contact with the animals has been established; one is decidedly devoted to the duty of third-party interference, while the other is immersed in his own observations. Although each piece shares common values, the dichotomy between the settings provoke differences of thought
…show more content…
Crevecoeur and Bartram recount vivid experiences with wildlife, in an attempt to describe the marvels of the natural world. Crevecoeur while scouting his farm comes across a chicken, and depicts his wonder when he mentions that, “A cock perhaps, arrayed with the most majestic plumes, tender to its mate, bold courageous, and endowed with an astonishing instinct… and even distinguishing characteristic of man” (52). While Bartram describes his first experience with an alligator up close, sharing his thoughts when he says “His enormous body swells. His plaited tail brandished high, floats upon the lake. The waters like a cataract descend from his opening jaw. Clouds of smoke issue from his dilated nostrils. The earth trembles with his thunder” (67). Both of these excerpts demonstrate how the two authors share common qualities in regards to the reactions elicited from environmental experience. The authors desire to share their perception of each animal and the traits they exemplify. Either description serves to celebrate and connect with the creatures, as a means to try and establish a more intimate relationship with nature. Crevecoeur and Bartram illustrate their common view of taking the time to appreciate an environment’s unique distinctions and inhabitants as a means to learn more about
Crevecoeur and Bartram recount vivid experiences with wildlife, in an attempt to describe the marvels of the natural world. Crevecoeur while scouting his farm comes across a chicken, and depicts his wonder when he mentions that, “A cock perhaps, arrayed with the most majestic plumes, tender to its mate, bold courageous, and endowed with an astonishing instinct… and even distinguishing characteristic of man” (52). While Bartram describes his first experience with an alligator up close, sharing his thoughts when he says “His enormous body swells. His plaited tail brandished high, floats upon the lake. The waters like a cataract descend from his opening jaw. Clouds of smoke issue from his dilated nostrils. The earth trembles with his thunder” (67). Both of these excerpts demonstrate how the two authors share common qualities in regards to the reactions elicited from environmental experience. The authors desire to share their perception of each animal and the traits they exemplify. Either description serves to celebrate and connect with the creatures, as a means to try and establish a more intimate relationship with nature. Crevecoeur and Bartram illustrate their common view of taking the time to appreciate an environment’s unique distinctions and inhabitants as a means to learn more about