ipl-logo

Asher B. Durand's Kindred Spirits

681 Words3 Pages

Thomas Burch
Professor Katherine Stelmach
Humanities 201
October 27, 2015
Nature
Every part of nature has a purpose in this world, but it is up to the human eye to recognize that. More often than not, people only place value, simply on things that are accessible or in reach of them. But neither technology nor science can play a part, but nature; nature contains the keys to human life and existence in our world universe. A popular painting known as Kindred Spirits along with a written work by Ralph Emerson both express their thoughts on a humans place within the natural world.
Asher B. Durand’s painting, Kindred Spirits (1849), portrays American artist Thomas Cole alongside American poet William Cullen Bryant. Durand was a well-known subject …show more content…

“The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never wears a mean appearance. Neither does the wisest man extort her secret, and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection.” Emerson utilizes the stars in the sky as an emblem of the universe, and explains how humans take them for granted because no matter where you are in this world, they are visible, but not looked up to. Emerson speaks about the way which people distinguish things around them. For example, he questions the importance of how we similarly view things such as stars, the landscape and the poet. These three matters have a strong correlation, seeing that just as no one will take the time to admire the stars, it is not particularly often you see someone appreciating the nature surrounding them. “To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature.” Throughout this chapter, he uses similes and metaphors in attempt to urge people to appreciate everything as a whole and not as individual items. “In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.” Both man and nature hold beauty, but only one holds the reason for human …show more content…

In two different explanations, they both state how the beauty and exoticness of nature is often times over looked. People do not realize the value that nature holds and the role that it plays in our lives. Basically, nature supports our existence and every little aspect of it (trees, stars, mountains, sun, air, water, etc.) works together to improve mankind daily. Actions such as deforestation and littering are examples of the way people view American nature today. The value is no longer respected, but what can be built in place of it, is. After all, it has turned out to be a material

Show More
Related
698 Words | 3 Pages

In his passage from “Last Child in the Woods,” Richard Louv uses various rhetorical strategies in order to make his audience more supportive of his argument. The passage discusses the connection, or really the separation, between people and nature. On this subject, Louv argues the necessity for people to redevelop their connection with nature. His use of tone, anecdotes, rhetorical questions, and factual examples all help develop the pathos and logos of his piece.

Read More
451 Words | 2 Pages

One of these other intentions is the use of comparisons by the writers to connect nature with that of everyday human life. For instance, in “Peach Tree Soft and Tender” the writer compares a blossoming peach tree with a newlywed bride adjusting to her new home and family. As the fruit of the peach tree blossoms so does her acquaintance with her new home stated on the bottom two lines of the final stanza, “The bride is going to her home, she well befits these folks”(1324). Also, in “Fishhawk” comparisons made between a prince and the cultivation of the watercress to express his restlessness of his longing for a “gentle maiden”(1323) whom he sees; comparing the way the watercress is harvested to the ways of which he courts the woman. First, as

Read More
620 Words | 3 Pages

In exemplifying this theme, he uses a scene of water, stating, “Whose streams of brightening purple rush, / Fired with a new and livelier blush, / While all their burden of decay / The ebbing current steals away” (ll. 11-4). The flowing water depicted in this scene is slowed by the debris and sediment which accumulate along its bottom and sides. Because of this “burden of decay”, the water’s life does not fulfill its potential and starts to become stagnant. However, the sunset’s colorful reflection on the water’s surface as well as the persistent current are exemplary of God’s spirit and refreshing powers within nature.

Read More
758 Words | 4 Pages

Henry David Thoreau passionately wrote several essays about different aspects of nature and humans’ relationship with nature. For instance, in the essay “Wild Apples”, Thoreau summarizes the history of wild apples, the current state of wild apples, and the possibility that wild apples might become extinct. Furthermore, throughout “Wild Apples”, Thoreau argues why wild apples should be maintained ( does “maintain” work to replace conserve ?)for the future generations. To address this inquiry, he discusses apples’ importance during ancient times, the ways apples are the most efficient of all crops, and the bond several animals have with apple trees. ( Is it ok if the highlighted portion is almost the same as the intro for my other essay ?

Read More
812 Words | 4 Pages

(20-21) and refutes that “now even that visual connection is optional” (21-22). His concession and refutation further proves that even though the time spent by most of society may be limited, it is still valuable because of the apparent disengagement of man from nature. Consequently, the separation of man from nature has resulted in the loss or reduction of any connection with nature. The mutual relationship between man and nature has evolved from a contract to a sad reality.

Read More
1014 Words | 5 Pages

In Emerson’s short essay, “Nature”, he describes nature as a place which a place where there can be no harm or no disgrace or calamity occurring because nature is able to fix all of those difficulties. Even though nature whips up sadness, it ultimately provides us a hideaway from society; therefore, people should sought to preserve nature. Although nature can often

Read More
710 Words | 3 Pages

Nature is always depicted as peaceful and pretty when it can also be deadly and dangerous, this is what truly makes it beautiful. A hurricane can rip through an entire country and cause mass destruction but in the end it can bring many people together. Jon Krakauer in this book does a great job of telling us how nature is not always our

Read More
1412 Words | 6 Pages

Kurt Vonnegut once said: "If people think nature is their friend, then they sure don't need an enemy. " Nature is a higher more powerful force than mankind seems to never fully be able to understand. Man tries to comprehend this power sometimes in the form of different religion or by turning to the supernatural. Men often believe that they are above this power or that they can manipulate it. A prime example of this is in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark” Through his use of intricate symbolism, Hawthorne crafts an allegory for man’s unfeasible quest against nature for perfection.

Read More
1218 Words | 5 Pages

It has truly been a long time since I have looked into nature; schoolwork and projects have taken a toll on me. In the woods, I can finally recognize that the complexities of society have been distracting me from the fundamentals of life. I seem to have forgotten about basic pleasures of life, like taking a walk or relaxing outside. It reminds me that I am a natural being-- a human. As Thoreau stated in support of a simple, nature life: “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!

Read More
397 Words | 2 Pages

Things can be seen different in many perspectives. It can be interpreted in ways others can’t see. But in order to regulate and adjust our lives, to show the meaning of what we see, we need the solitude to consolidate our thoughts and see things that were hidden in the first place. In “Nature,” Ralph Waldo Emerson applies rhetorical strategies for instance the imagery of unity and the allusion of God to experience the nature in solitude. Emerson starts off his piece with imagery of the unity between man and nature.

Read More
1044 Words | 5 Pages

He believes that because humanity has absorbed so many materialistic ideals that the connection between nature and oneself feels absent. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” instead begins with the discovery of a field of golden daffodils, “fluttering

Read More
377 Words | 2 Pages

The relationship between the human self and nature is strong because: To be happy is not getting satisfaction out of objects. Being happy comes from being outdoors and nature has a healing

Read More
1263 Words | 6 Pages

Nature is a, hopefully, forever lasting resource that we will always be able to use as inspiration for not only design but other aspects of life. We have made use of many different characteristics from nature and amimals and as scientists are discovering new species of nature there is more and more insporation for

Read More
991 Words | 4 Pages

Everything that has been and will ever be created is primarily the fruit of Nature 's resources, utilized by man in order to advance our race. All that is done is only possible because Nature allowed it to be done. Nature has surrendered part of itself so that man may thrive; its trees and minerals being transformed into something new, our buildings and transportation coming from found materials. Some are to be enjoyed, for there is always one in particular that is "the greatest pearl in the world," regardless of what the item actually is. A perfect specimen is claimed by humanity once

Read More
449 Words | 2 Pages

The speaker's disconnection from the present moment and desire to leave the lecture hall and be outside under the stars is an example of the significance of mindfulness. The poem persuades the reader to pause, take in the scenery, and consider how beautiful the world is. As indicated by the speaker's desire to leave the lecture hall and be outside under the stars, we should be careful not to become so busy with our daily lives and responsibilities that we fail to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the nature around

Read More

More about Asher B. Durand's Kindred Spirits

Related Topics

Open Document