Wordsworth JAN 28

Wordsworth, Romanticism, and Nature

  • Exploration of how Romantic poets, particularly Wordsworth, perceive and interact with nature.

  • Contrast between industrialization and spiritual appreciation of the natural world.

Cultural Constructions of Nature

Cornucopian

  • The cornucopian view presents nature as bountiful and endlessly providing resources.

  • Celebrates the idea of abundance, valuing natural resources suitably for growth and prosperity.

Pastoral

  • The pastoral perspective idealizes rural life and landscapes, presenting them as idyllic and harmonious.

  • Example: John Constable's painting "The Wheatfield" (1815) embodies this vision by capturing the beauty of agrarian landscapes.

Enlightenment Science

  • Refers to the period of scientific advancement and rational thought, exemplified by Carl Linnaeus's works.

  • Linnaeus's classification system significantly impacted biology, emphasizing a methodical approach to the study of plants and animals.

  • Key Work: Methodus Plantarum Sexualis in Systemate Naturae, published in 1735, established a systematic framework for classifying living organisms.

Industrial Revolution

  • Marked significant advancements in technology and industry:

    • Steam Engine (1781): revolutionized transportation and manufacturing processes.

    • Switch from Cottage Industry to Factory System: production shifted from home-based to centralized factory settings.

    • Growth of Coal Mining: provided energy for engines and became a cornerstone of industrial power.

    • Urban Migration: populations transitioned from rural areas to cities in search of factory jobs, altering social dynamics.