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.