Tori Tremble February 11, 2014 EFB 390 Essay 1 Professor B.

Hogan

Buells Rules

As the current era continues, human understanding of Earth and space is growing, and it seems that as a species we are becoming stronger and smarter. Still, being predominantly passengers on this round, crusty spaceship, we are often reminded of the capacity of our home planet for undiscerning extermination. The subject of planetary power is stirring, and provides a theme for some of the most awe-inspiring literary works. John Muirs A Windstorm in the Forest allows readers to experience existential beauty in the form of the Earths actions. Though Muirs writing is very earth orientated, scholars may argue its merit as an environmental text. Ecocritic Lawrence Buell offers a rough set of criteria to determine if a text is indeed environmental, and, using his guidelines, A Windstorm in the Forest is examined here. Windstorm is written from a human perspective, but Muirs narrative voice is incredibly unique. He remarks, I could distinctly hear the carrying tones of individual trees, spruce, and fir, and pine, and leafless oakand even the infinitely gentle rustle of the withered grasses at my feet. Muir is a bridge between humans and this force of nature, providing glimpses into his unique awareness and almost extrasensory connection to the Earth. He is a character in his essay, a narrator; but also a vector and translator of the trees and winds. Many species of tree are thoroughly characterized by their response to the battering gale, giving readers a deeper picture

of the dendrological diversity Muir is experiencing in California. The trees are a huge presence and large topic of the text, rivaling Muirs own importance. For example, Young sugar pines, light and feathery as squirrel tails, were bowing almost to the ground, while the grand old patriarchs waved solemnly above them, their long, arching branches streaming fluently in the gale. Buell asserts that nonhuman elements of the Earth must be present as more than just a framing device, and Muir achieves this with the graceful hemlock spruce, the burly juniper, kingly sugar pine, and so on. The trees are ever in tune, singing and writing wind music. Readers, even those unfamiliar with the specific biota mentioned, can imagine these regal characters, and appreciate them as artists; indeed much more than a mere setting for a human drama. In A Windstorm in the Forest, Muir mentions his own journeys quite briefly. He comments that he left a friends shelter in the early morning, alludes to his trek of the East Coast, and makes several remarks about his travels through the storm. More often, Muir writes of the actions of the Earth. When introducing the windstorm, he writes, But the winds go to every tree, fingering every leaf and branch and furrowed bole; not one is forgotten [the winds] seek and find them all, caressing them tenderly, bending them in lusty exercise, [and] stimulating their growth. This intense excerpt confirms that humans are not the only organism with an agenda, and perhaps that the human schedule is inferior compared to the amazing voyages and actions of a windstorm. In the final paragraphs, Muir retells his incredible realization, which came to him while he was stationed among the highest boughs of a Douglas spruce. It never occurred to me until this storm day, while swinging in the wind, that trees are travelers in the ordinary sense. They make many journeys, not extensive ones it its true; but our own little journeys, away and back again, are only little more than tree wavingsmany of them not so much. This quote

assertively declares that the comings and goings of the human species are of equal, or lesser, importance and merit than the swaying of the spruce. These pieces of evidence, along with other over-reaching themes, allow Muirs Windstorm to confidently fulfil Buells second criterion. Human interests play a nearly insignificant role in this piece, while the odyssey of the trees and winds are spectacularly presented. Muirs attitude towards the natural Earth seems to be one of sublime wonder, respect, and ultimate appreciation. His singular goal while hiking through the Sierra was the experience itself. The daunting threat of human influence destroying wilderness as he knew it may have been far from his mind as he experienced the divine power of the windstorm. As such, there is no direct allusion toward human responsibility, stewardship, or etiquette in A Windstorm in the Forest. There is also no mention of negative human impact, as Muir was concerning himself with other ideas at the time. Buell maintains that in an environmental literary work, human accountability to the environment [must be] part of the texts ethical orientation. A Windstorm in the Forest falls short in this area; however, it is important to recognize that the text is not lacking because of this. Instead, human accountability simply does not fit not in the work. The dynamic nature of the Earth is far from neglected in Muirs essay. The windstorm comes and goes, now whispering and cooing through the branches like a sleepy child, now roaring like the ocean, and bringing with it a great variety of advertisements and perfumes. Muir observes seasonal fluctuations and the ever-changing geological environment, but most notably he describes the changes of the trees. Humans often brand trees as steady, strong, unmoving and unchanging; while Muir contradicts this numerous times. The trees bend like grasses before a mountain gale, and the entire forest takes on a new persona after the storm:

fresh, joyous, immortal. Thus, A Windstorm in the Forest fulfills Buells fourth and final point, and recognizes the environment as a process. John Muir was an extremely unique individual, and his passion for the environment is bewildering to this day. His enchantment with the Earths natural wonders is incredible, and the devotion he feels is very apparent in this work. A Windstorm in the Forest is largely an environmental text; it even has the power to spur readers to foster new connections with the Earth itself. It contains some of the richest environmental imagery available. It is too easy for humans to forget about the Earth, and the power she holds and withholds. The delicate balance existing on this planet is too often forgotten and molested by the large of humankind, while adoration and awe for the eco-system is uncommon. Essays like Muirs can provide an impetus for the re-awakening of the human species, in which, perhaps, all effort will be put forth into creating a harmonious existence on this planet. His connection and appreciation of the wilderness are beautiful, and his fervent voice makes A Windstorm in the Forest wholly unforgettable.