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Abbey, Edward, 1927-1989, author. Desert Solitaire : a Season in the Wilderness. New York :McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1968.

Cornplanter, Jessie J. "Turtle Island" Legends of the Longhouse, 1936. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Iroquoian-creation-story-of-Sky-Woman-Aataentsic-falling-to-land-upon-Turtle_fig1_271909655. Accessed March 1, 2023.

Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass. Milkweed Editions, 2015.

Menrisky, Alexander. ENGL 2635E Lecture, [January 25, 2023].”

Menrisky, Alexander. ENGL 2635E Lecture, [January 30, 2023].”

Menrisky, Alexander. ENGL 2635E Lecture, [February 1, 2023].”

Ralston, Mark. "The Double O Arch in Arches National Park near Moab" Getty Images, April 22, 2018. https://psmag.com/environment/lines-composed-a-few-styles-above-edward-abbey. Accessed March 1, 2023.

Smith, Santee. "Skywoman: A Story Before Time" TomorrowTimes, March 5, 2016. https://tworowtimes.com/arts-and-culture/skywoman-story-time/. Accessed March 1, 2023.

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Both Krimmerer and Abbey's ideas about nature and culture are rooted in the transcendentalist movement, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of individual experience and intuition. However, their interpretations of transcendentalism differ in significant ways. Krimmerer's writing is heavily influenced by scientific observation and emphasizes the practical aspects of nature. She believes that the natural world has intrinsic value and should be protected for its own sake. In contrast, Abbey's writing is more focused on the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of nature, emphasizing the need for humans to connect with nature on a deeper, more emotional level. He advocates for a radical departure from modern society's dependence on technology and consumerism, urging readers to embrace a simpler, more sustainable way of life in harmony with nature. While both writers draw on the ideals of transcendentalism, Krimmerer's writing emphasizes the scientific and practical aspects of nature, while Abbey's writing emphasizes the spiritual and emotional aspects.

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Both Krimmerer and Abbey are renowned for their exceptional ability to convey meaning through their nature writings. Krimmerer's approach to nature writing is focused on the scientific and observational aspects of nature, which she uses to delve into more profound environmental and societal themes. Her writing is centered on the interconnectivity of all living things and how humans can derive lessons and benefits from nature. "Skywoman Falling," one of Krimmerer's most moving essays, recounts the Haudenosaunee creation myth. Krimmerer's ability to convey meaning through her nature writing is a testament to her belief in the intrinsic value of nature. She contends that the natural world possesses inherent worth and is not just a resource to be exploited for human use. Krimmerer's telling of the Skywoman story highlights the significance of appreciating and respecting the natural world. In contrast, Abbey's writing is typically more focused on the aesthetic and spiritual aspects of nature. He is famous for his vivid descriptions of the natural world, evoking a sense of awe and wonder in readers. Abbey's writing communicates a sense of the sublime, where nature is both beautiful and awe-inspiring, yet at the same time, perilous and unpredictable. In "Desert Solitaire," Abbey chronicles his experiences of living alone in the Utah desert, where he is both fascinated and humbled by the harsh beauty of the landscape. Overall, Krimmerer and Abbey's nature writings convey their beliefs about the relationship between nature and culture. While Krimmerer emphasizes the scientific and practical aspects of nature, highlighting the ways in which humans can benefit from and learn from the natural world, Abbey emphasizes the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of nature, emphasizing the need for humans to respect and appreciate the natural world for its intrinsic value.

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ACT 1: Biblical Fear
Kimmerrer: In her writing, Kimmerrer emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the power of nature. She recognizes that nature can be dangerous and unpredictable, but argues that humans should not fear it, but rather learn to live in harmony with it.
Abbey: In contrast, Abbey often portrays nature as a force to be reckoned with, particularly in his descriptions of the desert landscape. He acknowledges the danger of the wilderness, but also romanticizes it as a place of freedom and escape from the constraints of modern society.
ACT 2: A Romantic reversal
Kimmerrer: Kimmerrer draws heavily on the Romantic tradition, particularly the idea of the intrinsic worth of nature. She argues that nature has value in and of itself, beyond its usefulness to humans. She also emphasizes the importance of preserving wilderness areas for future generations to enjoy.
Abbey: Abbey also draws on Romantic ideas, but in a different way. He portrays nature as a place of individualism and rebellion, where people can escape the restrictions of modern society and discover their true selves. He is critical of the way that modern culture has destroyed natural beauty and advocates for the preservation of wilderness areas.
ACT 3: The Frontier
Kimmerrer: Kimmerrer's work often deals with the ways in which the frontier has shaped American identity and culture. She argues that the destruction of wilderness areas and the exploitation of natural resources has contributed to the decline of American values such as individualism and self-sufficiency.
Abbey: Similarly, Abbey is critical of the way that the American frontier has been mythologized and romanticized. He sees the westward expansion as a violent and destructive process that has irreparably damaged the natural landscape.
ACT 4: The Frontier Closes
Kimmerrer: Kimmerrer argues that as the frontier closes, it becomes increasingly important to preserve wilderness areas and to find new ways of living sustainably in harmony with nature.
Abbey: Abbey also recognizes that the era of westward expansion is over, but instead of preservation, he advocates for a more radical approach. He argues that we must actively resist the forces that destroy wilderness areas and work to create a new culture that values nature over economic growth.
ACT 5: Wilderness “Set Aside” and Sublime Encounters “Domesticated”
Kimmerrer: Kimmerrer is a strong advocate for the conservation movement and the establishment of national parks and wilderness areas. She argues that these areas are not only important for preserving natural beauty, but also for protecting biodiversity and providing opportunities for scientific research.
Abbey: While Abbey also supports the conservation movement, he is critical of the way that national parks and wilderness areas are often overly managed and domesticated. He argues that we must work to preserve the wildness of these areas and resist the urge to turn them into tourist attractions.

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Abbey was an advocate for preservation which emphasizes protecting natural areas from any form of human interference. In his book, "Desert Solitaire," he writes about the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the desert and the need to protect it from the intrusion of modern civilization. Kimmerer, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of conservation, which involves the responsible use and management of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. She writes about the need to maintain a reciprocal relationship with nature and to conserve its resources for future use.
Based on these views, it can be argued that Abbey's approach to nature is more aligned with the idea of intrinsic worth, as he believes that nature should be protected for its own sake and not solely for human benefit. Meanwhile, Kimmerer's approach leans more towards the idea of instrumental value, as she advocates for the responsible use of natural resources to benefit human communities while also maintaining a reciprocal relationship with nature.
Though both Abbey and Kimmerer share a deep love and respect for nature, their approaches to its preservation and conservation reflect different beliefs about its value and purpose.

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Using Environmentalism as evidence for this argument it is important to note the context of Abbey and Kimmerer's views on nature and the idea of intrinsic worth. Abbey's view of nature as a pristine wilderness that must be protected from human exploitation is rooted in a Romantic view of nature's intrinsic value. He argues that nature has value and of itself, and that humans should seek to protect it for its own sake, rather than simply as a resource to be used. Kimmerer's view of nature is similarly grounded in the concept of intrinsic worth. She emphasizes the importance of developing a relationship with the natural world that is based on mutual respect and reciprocity. For Kimmerer the natural world has value not just as a resource to be used by humans as well, but instead as a partner in a relationship that is vital to human well-being. Both authors' views on nature reflect on the Romantic emphasis on intrinsic worth and the natural world. They argue that nature has value that goes beyond its utility to humans and that we have a moral obligation to protect and care for the natural world. By emphasizing the importance of nature's intrinsic value, they challenge the notion that nature is simply a resource to be exploited for human use and call for a deeper understanding of the complex relationships that exist between humans and the natural world.

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The Double O Arch in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, on April 22nd, 2018.(Photo: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

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The Iroquoian creation story of Sky WomanAataentsic falling to land upon “Turtle Island”. Drawing byJesse J. Cornplanter, 1936, reproduced from Legends of theLo

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"Three ravens are wheeling near the balanced rock, squawking at each other and at the dawn. I'm sure they are as delighted by the return of the sun as I am and I wish I knew the language" (7). This quote showcases Abbey's appreciation for and fascination with the natural world. He observes the ravens as they fly and communicate with each other, and expresses a desire to understand their language. This implies a deep respect for the intelligence and agency of non-human beings and a belief that they have their own ways of communicating and experiencing the world. It also suggests a recognition of the interconnectedness of all living things, as Abbey shares in the ravens' joy at the return of the sun. Overall, this quote further aligns with Abbey's view that nature should be appreciated for its own sake, rather than being exploited or tamed for human purposes.

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"Not the work of cosmic hand, nor sculptured by sand-bearing winds, as many people prefer to believe, the arches came into being and continue to come into being through the modest wedging action of rainwater, melting snow, frost, and ice, aided by gravity" (6). This quote from Abbey's "Desert Solitaire" highlights his perspective that nature and its formations are a product of natural processes and forces, rather than the result of divine or human intervention. Abbey's emphasis on the natural processes that create the arches suggests that he sees nature as a self-sustaining and self-creating system, operating according to its own laws and rhythms. This view is consistent with his broader belief that human culture and development often disrupt or interfere with the natural world, which he sees as a pristine and valuable entity deserving of preservation. By emphasizing the natural processes that create formations like the arches, Abbey reinforces the idea that nature is self-sufficient and should be respected and protected. Abbey is emphasizing the natural processes that create the arches, rather than attributing their formation to a divine or human creator. This highlights his belief in the power and complexity of nature, and his desire to celebrate and protect it without the interference of human culture.

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I am required to live and work not at headquarters but in the interior, on my own. They way I wanted it, naturally, or I'd never have asked for the job" (2). This quote reveals his preference for living and working in isolation, away from the constraints of society and civilization. This can be seen as a manifestation of his desire to disconnect from the trappings of modernity and to seek a more primal and authentic connection with nature. Abbey's writings often portray nature as a realm where humans can escape the artificial constructs of society and experience a deeper, more meaningful existence.  In "Desert Solitaire", Abbey frequently criticizes the impact of human civilization on nature, particularly in the American Southwest. He highlights how roads, dams, and other forms of development can disrupt the delicate balance of natural systems and cause irreparable harm to ecosystems. In this sense, Abbey's preference for living in isolation can be seen as an attempt to minimize his own impact on the environment and to escape the destructive influence of modern culture.

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"I have tried to create a world or words in which the desert figures more as medium than as material. Not imitation but evocation has been the goal" (X). This quote by Abbey from "Desert Solitaire" further supports his view that nature should be portrayed in literature as a medium rather than a material. Rather than trying to imitate nature, Abbey believes that literature should aim to evoke the feeling and essence of nature. This suggests that Abbey sees nature as something that can be used as a means of artistic expression, rather than something that should be preserved solely for its own sake. In contrast to Kimmerer's emphasis on the interconnectedness of nature and culture, Abbey seems to view nature more as a source of inspiration for artistic expression and is more focused on the role of nature in human creativity and expression. He uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of awe and wonder, but he also uses these descriptions to inspire and evoke emotions in the reader. For Abbey, nature is not just something to be preserved or protected, but something to be experienced and shared through art.

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"In recording my impressions of the natural scene I have striven above all for accuracy, since I believe that there is a kind of poetry, even a kind of truth, in simple fact. But the desert is a vast world, an oceanic world, as deep in its way and complex and various as the sea" (X). Edward Abbey's quote from "Desert Solitaire" emphasizes his belief in the importance of accurately representing the natural world, particularly the desert landscape that he so deeply loves and is writing about. He recognizes the complexity and diversity of the desert, describing it as a "vast world" that is as "deep" and "complex" as the ocean. This quote demonstrates Abbey's view that nature is a source of beauty and wonder that should be appreciated and respected for its own sake. He sees the natural world as something to be experienced and explored, rather than simply used for human purposes. Additionally, his focus on accuracy and truth in his writing suggests that he values a scientific and objective approach to understanding nature. However, Abbey's views on culture and nature are complex and often controversial. While he celebrates the beauty of the natural world, he is also critical of human civilization and the destructive impact that it has on the environment. He often portrays nature as a sanctuary from modern society and a place where humans can escape the constraints and problems of their culture. In this sense, his views on nature and culture are somewhat oppositional, as he sees them as separate and even in conflict at times.

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"The geese nodded at one another and rose together from the water in a way of goose music. She felt the beat of their wings as they flew beneath to break her fall. Far from the only home she'd ever known, she caught her breath at the warm embrace of soft feathers as they gently carried her downward" (3).  The geese offer their help without hesitation or expectation of reward, highlighting the idea that all living beings have something valuable to offer and that we are all connected in a web of relationships. The passage also highlights the spiritual and emotional significance of these connections. The beat of the geese's wings is described as "goose music," suggesting that there is a deeper level of communication and understanding between humans and non-human beings that transcends language and culture. Kimmerer's perspective is rooted in an understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems that recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of reciprocity and mutual respect in maintaining these relationships. In this worldview, humans are not seen as separate from nature but rather as a part of it. This means that there is a deep understanding of the value and importance of non-human beings, such as the geese in this passage, who play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the natural world. Additionally, this passage highlights the spiritual and emotional significance of these relationships. The description of the geese's wings as "goose music" emphasizes the idea that there is a deeper level of communication and understanding between humans and non-human beings beyond just the physical or material.

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"They waited and waited for him to return, fearing the worst for their relative, and, before long, a stream of bubbles rose with the small, limp body of the muskrat. He had given his life to aid this helpless human. But then the others noticed that his paw was tightly clenched, when they opened it, there was a small handful of mud. Turtle said, 'Here, put it on my back and I will hold it'"(4). Kimmerer also demonstrates her view on the relationship between culture and nature, particularly in the context of the interconnectedness of all living beings. In this passage, the muskrat gives its life to aid a human, demonstrating the willingness of non-human beings to help and support humans in need. However, the passage also emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and the understanding that all beings have something to offer. The muskrat's paw is tightly clenched around a small handful of mud, which Turtle recognizes as valuable and offers to hold on its back. This illustrates the importance of recognizing the inherent value of all living beings, regardless of their size or perceived usefulness to humans. Kimmerer's perspective on culture and nature is that all living beings are interconnected and have something valuable to offer. She emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and respect in our relationships with the natural world and argues that recognizing and honoring the value of all living beings is essential to building a more sustainable and respectful relationship with the Earth.

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"Our elders say that ceremonies are the way we 'remember to remember,' and so sweetgrass is a powerful ceremonial plant cherished by many indigenous nations. It is also used to make powerful baskets. Both medicine and a relative, its value is both material and spiritual" (5). In this quote, Kimmerer discusses the cultural significance of sweetgrass to many Indigenous nations, explaining that it is a powerful ceremonial plant that is used to "remember to remember." By emphasizing the cultural significance of sweetgrass, Kimmerer suggests that the natural world is deeply intertwined with human culture and spirituality. She argues that the value of sweetgrass is not just material, but also spiritual, highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural significance of the natural world. Kimmerer's perspective on culture and nature is that they are inseparable and that the natural world is not just a source of physical resources, but also of spiritual and cultural richness. By recognizing and honoring the cultural significance of the natural world, we can deepen our understanding of the interconnection between culture and nature, and work towards a more respectful and sustainable relationship with the Earth.

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"In their time, Skywoman's first people lived by their understanding of their Original Instructions, with ethical prescriptions for respectful hunting, family life, ceremonies that made sense for their world" (7). This highlights the idea that indigenous cultures have traditionally lived in a way that is respectful and in harmony with the natural world. By following their "Original Instructions," which include ethical prescriptions for hunting, family life, and ceremonies, the first people who lived on Turtle Island were able to maintain a sustainable and reciprocal relationship with the land. Kimmerer's perspective on culture and nature is that they are deeply interconnected, and that indigenous cultures have much to teach us about how to live in a way that is respectful and sustainable. By studying and learning from these cultures, we can develop a more respectful and reciprocal relationship with the natural world, and work towards a more sustainable future for all living beings. This quote demonstrates Kimmerer's belief that indigenous cultures hold valuable knowledge and wisdom that we can learn from, and that by doing so, we can deepen our understanding of the relationship between culture and nature.

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"I like to imagine that when Skywoman scattered her handful of seeds across Turtle Island, she was sowing sustenance for the body and also for the mind, emotion, and spirit: she was leaving us teachers. The plants can tell us her story; we need to learn to listen" (10). This quote also demonstrates Kimmerer's perspective on the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of learning from the natural world. In this quote, she suggests that Skywoman's act of scattering seeds across Turtle Island was not only about providing physical sustenance but also about leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and wisdom. By learning to listen to the plants and the stories they have to tell, Kimmerer believes that we can gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world and develop a more respectful and reciprocal relationship with the natural world.

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While Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire" and Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Skywoman Falling" both examine the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, their perspectives differ significantly in terms of their opinions on nature and culture. Abbey's individualistic, Western approach emphasizes the need for humans to learn to live in harmony with nature, while Kimmerer's indigenous perspective emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and balance between humans and the natural world, rooted in community and connection with other beings. Moreover, while Abbey sees modern civilization as destructive, Kimmerer believes that we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future by embracing the knowledge and wisdom of indigenous cultures and understanding our intimate relationship with the natural world.