The Nature of Bryants Poems :: Biography Biographies Essays

The "Nature" of Bryant's Poems Most of the poems in our anthology are ruminative poems about the nature of nature and the nature of life. The key word within his works is simply "nature". He uses works of nature to express his works of art. He meticulously chose objects to which everyone could relate, transforming them into ideas and expressions of his mission. This expression is evident throughout the poetry. "Thanatopsis" revolves around the issues of life and death, using nature as their common ground to describe the overall message. "The all-beholding sun shall see no more in all his course; nor yet in the cold ground, where they pale form was laid, with many tears, nor embrace of ocean, shall exist they image" ( Bryant 2673 ). He vividly paints the picture of oneà ­s death and thus a lack of life. He goes on to depict the earth and her surroundings as manà ­s eternal tomb, expressing all that will be left behind when man leaves this world. "The vulnerable woods - rivers that move in majesty, and the complaining brooks that make the meadows green; and, poured round all, Old Oceanà ­s gray and melancholy waste, - are but the solemn decorations all of the great tomb of man" ( Bryant 2673 ). He continually demonstrates this behavior throughout the rest of the piece, solidifying his intricate pattern towards nature. Bryantà ­s love of nature is overtly expressed within "The Yellow Violet". He paints the picture of a peaceful Spring day, describing the flower and its place within the structure of the season. I found it interesting how he alluded to the "April showers bring May flowers" beginning with line 21 by saying "Oft, in the sunless April day, they early smile has stayed my walk; but midst the gorgeous blooms of May, I passed the on they humble stalk" ( Bryant 2675 ). However, I did feel as if he could have written this about his love of a relationship, not just his love for nature. What do you think? "The Prairies" focuses on his personal look at nature, through his eyes. This piece gives one a first-hand look at Bryanà ­s compassion for all things, great and small. He takes the reader on a journey, looking at individual pieces existing in nature, and taking note of their importance and placement in life.