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Shelby Lemmon
GHUM 200
Dr. Moghtader
4/29/2013
Final Essay: Topic 2
Anthony Caronoes Echoes from the Black Hills subtly explored many topics we have
discussed throughout the course of the semester. The main issue he brings up is how to
appreciate and experience the beauty of the environment around us. As well, the importance of a
connection with nature is stressed if you read within the lines. Perhaps it is because I just reread
and presented on Walker Percys article The Loss of the Creature for Bill Brysons A Walk in the
Woods, but while I read Caronoes essay I kept seeing many links between those works and
Caronoes piece. I am unsure whether Caronoe purposely wrote his essay with Percys article in
mind, but nonetheless the overwhelming similarities and Caronoes own search for his creature
cannot be denied.
In Echoes from the Black Hills Caronoe starts the essay with a story about being a
biology student and how for some that is the closest they get to connecting to the natural
environment. It reminds me of the fact that at some point in all of our lives we are students. We
just go along with the notions most of the time without truly understanding what it is were
doing. The frog on the dissection board means nothing to most of the biology students; however
thats because they arent able to really see it for what it is or appreciate nature as they should. If
the students encountered the frog out in the wild they would likely then get a better sense of its
strange beauty and be fascinated. This resonated later in the story when Caronoe has the

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magnificent opportunity to view a hummingbird. He even states how he could not learn such
appreciation of beauty in a textbook and is sickened by the thought of what happens to the frogs.
As the story evolves more I see how connected Caronoe is to the natural environment and
how disgusted he is with the destruction of it. It is similar to the feelings of every author we have
read this past semester. I connected it with Bill Brysons book A Walk in the Woods though,
likely because Caronoe tells much of the story while on a hike. Everything except nature is ugly
to Caronoe, much like what Bryson ended up feeling after hiking the Appalachian Trail. The
hatred of American urbanization and consequential destruction of nature resonates in both
authors works. It all brings into question what exactly makes, not only Americans but humans in
general, feel that they have the right to destroy nature for their own needs. We are wasteful and
thoughtless in regards to the beauty and influence of the natural environment. Though I know it
is not relevant to true issues of nature, I also noted both mens fear of bears. It is a reasonable
one, and I think it goes to show that the mystery and power of nature is still strong despite human
destruction and extinctions. But if going on a hike is what brings these men to such revelations
and gives them the ability to see things clearly, than I begin to think I need to go on more hikes.
Though I know it really is their connection and love for nature that changes their viewpoints
away from the horrendous norm of society today.
As mentioned before, I was intrigued by how Percys article also came to mind while
reading Caronoes paper. It truly did seem to me that Caronoe was somewhat trying to recover
his own creature throughout his story. I am convinced even more now however, that it is likely
not possible. Several times Caronoe mentions aspects that have influenced his thoughts and
actions. He compares a view to a postcard, runs at the thought of a snake because of scenes
watched on the Discovery Channel, and has moments wondering what his environment looked

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like in the past. All of these things change and influence our thoughts and actions. It is why
recovering ones creature is so important. It enables us to experience situations in a new and
unbiased why and form our own thoughts and opinions. This all seems difficult in todays
society with all the technology and vast amount of information and advertisements to influence
us. Percy says on page 469, The present is surrendered to the past and the present. He is
discussing how individuals waive their right of seeing and knowing with their actions and
thoughts.
There are some moments however where it seemed as though Caronoe could be in the
process of recapturing his own creature. He also even did one of Percys steps of recovery, by
leaving the beaten track (Percy 470). Caronoe doesnt stay on the trail during his hike, in fact it
appears as if he purposely wants to get lost. In doing so he is able to see the woods in ways that
werent facilitated. He can just enjoy the moment and the environment. This is when I begin to
see Caronoe capturing some of his lost creature, he even starts to have epiphanies and it is clear
this will all shape his interactions with nature for the rest of his life. His thoughts towards
subjects change and he has a whole new viewpoint on the natural environment. Like when he
talks about how when he used to think of turkey he just saw food and a holiday, now he sees the
actual animals life and its intricate colored feathers.
Throughout the essay what I was most impressed by most with Caronoe was his ability to
experience just for himself. By doing so Caronoe was able to feel as though he was actually a
part of the environment, and realizes that he may never experience that again. Caronoe explains
how he never takes a picture or retells the story, which results in him being able to properly see
the natural environment. What this makes me wonder though is whether we are able to see and
be a part of the natural environment without having to remind ourselves. It brings up so many of

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the issues we have discussed during class and it still doesnt seem as though there is any right
answer. I am left unsure if Caronoe were to talk a picture, if it would devalue the entire
experience. I know many of the authors we have read would say yes, but I think it subjective to
each person. This goes along with the fact that every persons creature is different, and what may
recover it for one may not necessarily work for another.
Ultimately, the main theme to be analyzed in this essay, and every other environmental
literature piece weve read, is how critical a connection to nature is. If any student or person
doesnt grasp that after reading all of these creative authors works, then nothing will likely ever
be able to. Caronoe touches on the subject without overpowering the reader. As humans until we
understand our role in the environment and find a personal connection to nature, we are just
going to keep ruining it. So many different life forms rely on nature to survive, including
humans. For people like Caronoe and Bryson, the woods have become a place to run and hide
from our overpopulated and commercialized society. It allows them to think and become a
different person. What is sad is how even in the woods the scars and remnants of human
destruction are left behind. Who knows how many wonderful natural environments are even left
that have been unmarked by mankind. We think we deserve the rights to control the environment
as we see fit but that isnt the case. Humans are ruining nature and have no one to blame but
ourselves. Although it isnt said by the authors, these works of environmental literature are their
ways expressing hope that the situation and future can be changed. They want every individual to
be able to connect and love nature as they do. It is clear Caronoe would do anything possible to
prevent the destruction of his beloved Black Hills and the experiences he gets there, and that is
something to be inspired by.

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On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this
academic work