Hannah, I love this! It is so so true and the longing is practically palpable. I’m reading a book at the moment set in colonial Massachussets where often the wilderness represents and reflects the lurking forces of evil. It’s been strange for me to try and wrap my head around this concept, given how nature has always been a respite, a breath, that pause or space for so many of us. I think, though, that there is a contrast to be made between the nature we have explored and in so many ways tamed and the wilderness portrayed in the novel. I haven’t quite untangled all the meaning there is there but this article, beautifully written, has turned my thoughts back to it with renewed interest. Thank you!
Yes! I re-read/listened to Wuthering Heights recently and the same contrast is there - between wilderness and habitation, darkness and light. I wonder if the reality of Christian redemption means that we no longer need to be afraid of these places, that the power to cultivate wilderness is greater than the power of the wilderness. Which means we don’t need to pretend they’re not there (as the modern world does). Good pondering for a wet Saturday morning!!
What a beautiful post! My favorite you've written so far!
Thanks Rachel!!
Hannah, I love this! It is so so true and the longing is practically palpable. I’m reading a book at the moment set in colonial Massachussets where often the wilderness represents and reflects the lurking forces of evil. It’s been strange for me to try and wrap my head around this concept, given how nature has always been a respite, a breath, that pause or space for so many of us. I think, though, that there is a contrast to be made between the nature we have explored and in so many ways tamed and the wilderness portrayed in the novel. I haven’t quite untangled all the meaning there is there but this article, beautifully written, has turned my thoughts back to it with renewed interest. Thank you!
Yes! I re-read/listened to Wuthering Heights recently and the same contrast is there - between wilderness and habitation, darkness and light. I wonder if the reality of Christian redemption means that we no longer need to be afraid of these places, that the power to cultivate wilderness is greater than the power of the wilderness. Which means we don’t need to pretend they’re not there (as the modern world does). Good pondering for a wet Saturday morning!!