Natural New York City
I really enjoyed the essay by Lisa Couturier because she persuaded me to believe that New York City is indeed natural. She used satire to show that, in part, there is humor in the fact that the city is one big wilderness. The essay gives proof of why she feels New York has the same natural qualities as any wilderness.
Throughout her writing, the author uses her personal experiences to illustrate how she came to see the city as a wilderness. In college her professor comments on why New York City is natural. He states that "New York is no different from a community of ants". I agree with this because people are just like ants; living at a fast pace and toward one goal- survival. I can see how the buildings are akin to anthills. This is an interesting and realistic way of looking at any city. It can be seen as natural, just like any wilderness.
Moreover, the author does connect with her surroundings. She takes the time to examine the world and notices the minute details. For example, she notices the the mice on the subway tracks. Few people would take the time to notice these small creatures, but the author finds them fascinating. This relates to Thoreau's arguement to become united with nature, no matter where you live. The author lives a large city, but she is still connected to her surrounding world. She does not live with such haste as other city dwellers do. She is a clear example of how people can live deliberately, despite residing in civilization.
Anyone has the ability to become more connected with their surroundings. It does not matter if they live in a bustling city or in the backwoods. I believe the author can be compared to Thoreau seeing as she too takes the time to notice her surroundings and lives with little haste.
Comments
I really like how you pointed out Couturier's viewpoints on how nature is not something separate and distinct from the human world. I too enjoyed how she metaphorically tied in the wilderness with the people of New York, and this was a technique on her part to catch the reader's attention.
Posted by: Jenessa Olson | February 8, 2007 5:55 PM
I like how you tied Couturier into Thoreau. You pointed out how she still seems to be living deliberately. She certainly seems to be able to detach herself and become an outside observer. Couturier is a great example of deliberate living in modern society. I also like how she pays attention to the little details in the types of creatures that Dillard tries to completely ignore.
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