From transcendental retreats to wilderness odysseys, many literary characters have felt a powerful calling toward nature—a pull that drives personal transformation, spiritual awakening, or liberation from societal constraints. Whether it's Henry David Thoreau’s deliberate life at Walden Pond, Chris McCandless’s fateful trek into the Alaskan wild, or Mary Lennox’s healing journey in a hidden garden, these protagonists exemplify how the natural world can awaken something essential within. Their stories showcase nature as mentor, mirror, and sometimes a test of endurance. This article explores famous literature figures whose lives changed because they answered nature’s call.
Famous Literary Characters Drawn to Nature
Throughout literature, countless characters have been irresistibly drawn to the natural world. Whether seeking solace, inspiration, or transformation, these individuals often find their deepest truths in forests, mountains, deserts, and oceans. Their stories reflect the timeless human yearning to connect with nature on a profound level.
Henry David Thoreau in Walden
Arguably one of the most iconic literary figures associated with nature is Henry David Thoreau, the real-life author and protagonist of Walden. In this reflective memoir, Thoreau retreats to a cabin near Walden Pond in Massachusetts to live simply and deliberately. He explores the rhythms of the natural world and its capacity for spiritual and intellectual enrichment. Thoreau’s calling to nature was both philosophical and practical—he sought to strip away societal distractions and experience life in its purest form.
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…” – Walden, Henry David Thoreau
Chris McCandless in Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Based on a true story, Into the Wild follows Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned a conventional life to journey into the Alaskan wilderness. His desire to escape materialism and find deeper meaning led him to nature, where he believed he could achieve ultimate freedom. McCandless’s story is both inspiring and tragic, highlighting the risks and rewards of surrendering to the call of the wild.
Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
While not a survivalist or naturalist, Elizabeth Bennet exhibits a quiet but meaningful connection to nature. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she often takes long walks alone, using the countryside as a space for reflection and emotional clarity. Her love for the natural world contrasts with the rigid social structures of her time and underscores her independent spirit.
“What are men to rocks and mountains?” – Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
In Hemingway’s novella, the sea is not just a setting but a central force in the life of Santiago, an aged fisherman. His deep respect for the ocean and its creatures reflects a lifelong connection to nature. Santiago’s epic struggle with a giant marlin becomes a metaphor for the human condition and our place within the natural world. His bond with the sea is spiritual, built on both reverence and survival.
Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Mary Lennox’s transformation from a sullen, neglected child to a lively and compassionate girl is catalyzed by her discovery of a hidden garden. Nature becomes a healing force, not only for Mary but also for those around her. The garden serves as a metaphor for personal growth, emotional renewal, and the restorative power of the natural world.
Pi Patel in Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Stranded in the Pacific Ocean with only a Bengal tiger for company, Pi Patel must rely on his wits, faith, and understanding of nature to survive. Over time, Pi develops a profound appreciation for the ocean and its creatures, recognizing both its beauty and brutality. His journey is one of physical endurance and spiritual awakening, shaped by an intimate engagement with the natural environment.
Huckleberry Finn in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
For Huck Finn, the Mississippi River represents freedom and escape from the constraints of civilization. As he travels downriver, Huck forms a deep bond with the natural world around him. The river becomes both a literal and symbolic pathway to self-discovery, offering him a refuge where he can question societal norms and develop his moral compass.
Cheryl Strayed in Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
In this modern memoir, Cheryl Strayed recounts her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail following personal tragedies. Like Thoreau and McCandless before her, Strayed turns to nature as a means of healing and understanding. Her physical journey mirrors her emotional one, and the wilderness becomes a powerful catalyst for transformation.
Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
While not traditionally considered a nature-driven character, Jay Gatsby’s fixation on the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock has been interpreted as a symbolic connection to nature. The green light, set against the natural backdrop of the bay, embodies dreams, longing, and the elusive promise of a better life. Nature, in this case, becomes a canvas upon which Gatsby projects his deepest desires.
Summary of Literary Nature-Seekers
These characters, diverse in background and era, share a common thread: nature serves as a mirror, mentor, and sometimes a harsh master. Whether escaping societal pressures, seeking enlightenment, or undergoing personal rebirth, their journeys underscore the enduring literary motif of finding truth and transformation in the natural world.
Types of Nature Connections in Literature
Nature has long played a pivotal role in literature, shaping narratives, symbolizing inner journeys, and serving as a mirror to human emotion. Authors use the natural world in varied ways, resulting in multiple types of nature connections that reflect different literary purposes and character developments.
Nature as a Catalyst for Transformation
In many literary works, nature acts as a transformative force that drives personal growth and change. Characters often retreat into the wild to escape societal constraints, and in doing so, they encounter revelations about themselves and the world.
A prime example is Chris McCandless from Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild. Driven by a deep calling for solitude and authenticity, McCandless abandons modern life to immerse himself in the Alaskan wilderness. His journey reflects a profound connection to nature as a vehicle for spiritual and existential discovery.
Similarly, in Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, the protagonist embarks on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Grieving and lost, she finds healing and strength through her connection with the natural environment. In these narratives, nature is not just a setting—it is a crucible for personal metamorphosis.
Nature as a Reflection of Emotion
Authors often use the natural world to mirror a character’s emotional state. This literary device, known as the pathetic fallacy, imbues nature with symbolic meaning, aligning external weather or landscapes with internal turmoil or serenity.
In Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, the moors reflect the wild, tumultuous emotions of the characters. The bleak, windswept landscape becomes an extension of the passionate and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine. Here, nature is emotionally charged, offering insight into the psychological depths of the narrative.
Nature as a Character
In some literature, nature transcends the role of passive backdrop and becomes an active force—almost a character in its own right. These landscapes influence plot progression, present challenges, and shape character development.
Jack London's The Call of the Wild exemplifies this approach. The Alaskan wilderness is not just the setting for Buck’s transformation—it calls to him, challenges him, and ultimately reclaims him. Nature in this novel has agency; it influences and interacts with Buck just as any human character would.
Likewise, in Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer, the Appalachian setting is deeply alive, with the flora and fauna playing integral roles in the lives of the characters. The interconnectedness of ecosystems mirrors the intertwined human stories, reinforcing nature’s role as a central, dynamic presence.
Nature as a Spiritual or Mystical Guide
Nature often serves as a conduit for spiritual insight or mystical experience. In such literature, the wilderness represents more than beauty or danger—it becomes a sacred space where characters encounter the divine or gain philosophical clarity.
Henry David Thoreau’s Walden is a foundational text in this genre. Thoreau’s retreat into the woods is a deliberate philosophical and spiritual act, seeking truth in simplicity and immersion in the natural world. His writings emphasize nature as a source of wisdom and enlightenment.
Another example is Mary Oliver’s poetry, which frequently portrays nature as a teacher and spiritual guide. Her poems invite readers to observe the quiet miracles of the natural world, fostering a reverence that borders on the divine.
Nature as Antagonist or Obstacle
Not all connections to nature are harmonious. In some stories, the natural world is portrayed as a formidable force—an antagonist that tests human endurance and willpower.
In Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, the sea is both a source of livelihood and a relentless challenge. The protagonist's battle with the marlin and the ocean’s elements serve as a metaphor for human struggle, resilience, and dignity.
Likewise, in novels like Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe or Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, survival against the elements becomes a central theme. These stories highlight humanity’s vulnerability and adaptability when faced with the raw power of nature.
Nature as a Symbol of Freedom or Escape
For some characters, nature represents liberation from societal norms or personal burdens. This connection often carries political or philosophical undertones, suggesting a longing for purity, simplicity, or authenticity.
In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the Mississippi River is a symbol of freedom. Huck’s journey down the river allows him to escape the constraints of civilization and confront moral questions on his own terms. The river becomes a space for introspection, growth, and rebellion.
Similarly, in My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, young Sam Gribley escapes city life to live independently in the Catskill Mountains. His deep bond with nature underscores a desire for self-reliance and simplicity—a recurring theme in literature that explores the natural world's liberating potential.
Nature and the Ecological Perspective
Contemporary literature increasingly explores nature through an ecological lens, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the impact of human actions on the environment.
In Richard Powers’ The Overstory, the lives of several characters are interwoven through their relationships with trees. The novel portrays forests as complex, intelligent systems and urges readers to recognize the intrinsic value of the natural world. This ecological awareness reflects a modern shift in how nature is represented—not merely as a setting or symbol, but as a living network deserving of respect and preservation.
These varied portrayals of nature in literature—from adversary to ally, from backdrop to protagonist—highlight the enduring complexity and richness of humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
The Role of Nature in Character Development
Nature has long served as a transformative force in literature, shaping the inner lives of characters and guiding their development through adversity, reflection, and self-discovery. Far beyond a mere setting, the natural world often functions as a catalyst for personal growth, offering characters both challenges and solace. This dynamic relationship between human character and the environment underscores many of the most enduring narratives in literature.
Nature as a Mirror of the Inner Self
In many literary works, nature acts as a mirror reflecting the emotional and psychological state of a character. Authors often use natural environments—such as rugged mountains, serene forests, or tumultuous oceans—to externalize a character’s internal conflicts. For instance, in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, the wild moors reflect the tempestuous passions of the characters, particularly Heathcliff and Catherine, suggesting that the landscape itself is intertwined with their identities.
Similarly, in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the impenetrable jungle mirrors the psychological descent of Kurtz and Marlow, symbolizing the chaotic and unknowable depths of the human psyche. The natural world in these examples is not passive; it actively participates in the character’s journey, intensifying emotional states and symbolizing internal transformations.
Nature as a Teacher and Healer
Certain characters in literature experience nature as a nurturing and enlightening force. These characters often retreat into the natural world to find clarity, healing, or a sense of purpose. In Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, the author’s deliberate withdrawal into the woods of Massachusetts becomes a profound journey of self-reliance, simplicity, and philosophical reflection. Nature, in this context, serves as a guide toward personal enlightenment and authenticity.
Another powerful example can be found in Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild, where the author hikes the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to process grief and rediscover herself. The physical hardships of the trail parallel her emotional journey, and through her connection to nature, she ultimately finds strength, resilience, and healing.
Nature as a Rite of Passage
For many protagonists, especially in coming-of-age narratives, immersion in the natural world serves as a rite of passage. In Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild, Christopher McCandless seeks transcendence and truth in the Alaskan wilderness. His journey into the wild is symbolic of a deeper yearning to strip away societal expectations and uncover his essential self. Though his story ends in tragedy, the natural world plays an integral role in his quest for identity and meaning.
Similarly, in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the island becomes a crucible for the boys’ moral development (or deterioration). Isolated from civilization, the characters are forced to confront their primal instincts, with the natural environment both testing and revealing the core of their human nature.
Calling Toward the Wild: Characters Drawn to Nature
Some literary characters feel an almost spiritual calling toward nature, as though the land itself offers answers to unspoken questions. In Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, the protagonist is not human but a dog named Buck, who hears the ancient call of the wilderness and ultimately embraces his primal instincts. Buck’s transformation from domesticated pet to wild creature illustrates how nature can awaken a character’s latent potential and true identity.
Another example is found in Mary Oliver’s poetry, where the speaker often finds solace, wonder, and divine presence in the natural world. Her verses suggest that nature itself holds the keys to understanding life’s mysteries and one’s place within it.
Even in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, characters like Frodo and Aragorn are shaped by their interactions with the natural world—from the tranquil beauty of Lothlórien to the desolate wastes of Mordor. These landscapes challenge and mold their character, reinforcing the idea that nature is a vital force in personal evolution.
Nature as a Silent Companion Through Change
In transitional periods of a character’s life, nature often becomes a silent yet powerful companion. Whether dealing with grief, change, or crisis, characters frequently turn to the natural world for stability and perspective. In Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer, the interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems underscores the characters’ personal growth and healing. The rhythms of the natural world offer both metaphor and method for moving through life’s upheavals.
Through these literary examples, it becomes clear that nature is not simply a backdrop—it is a dynamic, active presence that shapes character development in profound and lasting ways. Whether as mirror, teacher, adversary, or companion, the natural world holds transformative power for those willing to engage with it.
Cultural and Historical Context
Nature in Romantic and Transcendental Literature
Throughout literary history, nature has often served as more than a backdrop—it has been a central theme and even a transformative force for characters. This motif gained particular prominence during the Romantic era of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when writers and poets reacted against the industrial revolution and the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Romantic authors like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime beauty of the natural world. In works such as Wordsworth's "Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey," nature is portrayed as a spiritual guide and moral compass, capable of inspiring deep introspection and personal growth.
Similarly, in the American literary tradition, the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century further solidified the link between nature and self-discovery. Writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau saw nature as a pathway to understanding the self and the universe. Thoreau’s seminal work, "Walden," is a prime example of literature that centers on the transformative power of solitude in nature. His two-year experiment living in a cabin near Walden Pond offered both a critique of modern society and a manifesto for simple living in harmony with the natural world.
Wilderness as a Rite of Passage
In the 20th century, literature continued to explore nature as a space for personal transformation. The wilderness became a symbolic testing ground for characters undergoing rites of passage. In Jack London’s "The Call of the Wild," the protagonist—a domesticated dog named Buck—is drawn back to his primal instincts through harsh experiences in the Yukon wilderness. While not a human character, Buck’s journey powerfully mirrors the idea of reconnecting with one’s essential nature through the challenges posed by the wild.
Another striking example is found in Jon Krakauer’s "Into the Wild," which recounts the real-life story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned societal norms to seek truth and meaning in the Alaskan wilderness. Influenced by authors like Thoreau and Tolstoy, McCandless represents a modern iteration of the literary archetype who finds spiritual clarity through disconnection from modern life and immersion in nature.
Nature as a Character in Cultural Narratives
Culturally, the personification of nature in literature reflects broader societal values and anxieties. Indigenous storytelling traditions often portray nature as a living entity with agency and wisdom, reinforcing a view of the environment not as something to be conquered but as a partner in life. This perspective contrasts sharply with colonial and industrial narratives, where landscapes were often depicted as obstacles to be overcome or resources to be exploited.
In contemporary literature, there is a renewed emphasis on environmental consciousness and ecological interdependence. Authors such as Barbara Kingsolver and Richard Powers explore the interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems, highlighting how nature not only shapes individual characters but also reflects collective cultural shifts toward sustainability and reverence for the planet.
The Evolution of Nature Writing
The genre of nature writing itself has evolved significantly, shaped by historical contexts and cultural attitudes toward the environment. Early naturalists like John Muir and Aldo Leopold wrote with a blend of scientific observation and poetic reflection, advocating for conservation and deep ecological awareness. Their works laid the foundation for modern environmental literature, which often blends memoir, reportage, and philosophical inquiry.
Today, nature writing is more inclusive and diverse, incorporating voices that were historically marginalized in the environmental discourse. Authors like Robin Wall Kimmerer, in "Braiding Sweetgrass," bring Indigenous perspectives into the literary canon, reshaping the way readers understand their relationship with the land. This broader cultural context underscores the enduring relevance of nature not just as a setting, but as a transformative force and character in human narratives.
Modern Interpretations and Influence
Nature in Contemporary Literature
In modern literature, the portrayal of nature has evolved beyond a mere setting to become a dynamic force that shapes narrative and character development. Contemporary authors increasingly use natural environments not only to reflect inner turmoil or peace but also to challenge, transform, or even heal their protagonists. This shift mirrors a growing cultural consciousness around environmental issues and the psychological benefits of reconnecting with nature.
Authors such as Cheryl Strayed in Wild and Bill Bryson in A Walk in the Woods exemplify this trend. Both works highlight the transformative power of nature as their protagonists embark on physically demanding journeys through wilderness—Strayed on the Pacific Crest Trail and Bryson on the Appalachian Trail. These narratives blend personal memoir with nature writing, emphasizing how solitude, physical exertion, and immersion in the natural world can lead to profound self-discovery.
Nature as a Catalyst for Change
Modern interpretations often see nature as a catalyst for personal growth, especially during times of transition. In Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain, a young boy’s choice to live in the Catskill Mountains reflects a modern yearning for autonomy and simplicity. The story resonates with young readers seeking independence and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Similarly, Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild explores the life of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned modern life to seek meaning in the Alaskan wilderness. His journey, while tragic, exemplifies the powerful pull nature can have on those disillusioned with societal norms. These stories underscore an enduring literary motif: the wilderness as a mirror to the self, revealing both strength and vulnerability.
Influence on Environmental Awareness
Modern nature-centric literature often carries an implicit or explicit environmental message. Works such as Richard Powers' Pulitzer Prize-winning The Overstory intertwine human lives with the life cycles of trees, advocating for a re-evaluation of our relationship with the natural world. Powers uses multiple narrative threads to show how deeply interconnected humans are with ecosystems, pushing readers to consider ecological preservation as a moral imperative.
This trend reflects a broader societal movement toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Literature has become a medium through which readers confront the consequences of deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss—issues that are increasingly relevant in the 21st century.
Cultural Impact and Media Adaptations
Many modern nature-themed books have transcended the page, inspiring films, documentaries, and public discourse. For example, the adaptation of Into the Wild into a major motion picture brought the story’s themes to a wider audience, reinforcing the allure of nature as both refuge and crucible. Similarly, the film adaptation of Wild starring Reese Witherspoon sparked renewed interest in long-distance hiking and personal transformation through nature immersion.
These adaptations not only extend the reach of the original narratives but also amplify their messages about nature’s role in shaping identity and values. They contribute to a cultural zeitgeist that values unplugging from modern life, embracing simplicity, and finding clarity in solitude.
Educational and Therapeutic Applications
The influence of nature-themed literature has extended into educational and therapeutic practices. Programs in wilderness therapy, outdoor education, and eco-psychology often incorporate literary works to help individuals process emotions and foster resilience. The stories of characters who find strength, insight, or healing in nature serve as powerful metaphors for participants undergoing their own journeys.
Books like Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, though written in the 19th century, continue to be relevant in modern therapeutic contexts. Thoreau’s reflections on simple living in natural surroundings inspire readers to seek mindfulness and intentional living—a concept increasingly important in today’s fast-paced world.
Continued Literary Innovation
Modern authors continue to innovate in the portrayal of nature, blending genres and experimenting with narrative perspectives. For instance, speculative and climate fiction (cli-fi) explore future scenarios shaped by environmental degradation or renewal. Works like Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy and Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior use nature not just as a setting but as a central force driving socio-political and ethical debates.
This evolution in storytelling reflects a broader philosophical shift: nature is no longer seen as separate from human life but as an integral, active participant in the human experience. Literature continues to explore this relationship with increasing urgency and nuance, ensuring nature’s place as a vital character in modern storytelling.
Whether fleeing civilization, mourning loss, or seeking freedom, literary characters drawn to nature mirror our own human pulls toward forests, rivers, and wide open spaces. Nature becomes more than background—it shapes character arcs, prompts spiritual reflection, and often drives the entire narrative. These powerful portrayals remind us that the natural world isn’t just where we go to escape—but where we go to become who we truly are.
