Oppressing Nature : A Study of Gretel Ehrlich’s The Solace of Open Spaces

Abstract: As the population of the earth expands the natural world shrinks in order to give space to our growing population. This is a problem since humans have a big part in the destruction of natural habitats. In Gretel Ehrlich’s The Solace of Open Spaces we find a close interaction between human culture and nature. The Solace of Open Spaces can be categorized as creative non fiction, and with this is mind I intend to employ a theoretical approach called ecocriticism when analyzing The Solace of Open Spaces. The following essay will examine how the narrator of The Solace of Open Spaces has depicted the relation between nature and culture. The study will be conducted by a close reading of The Solace of Open Spaces. Other than the close reading a series of important articles and websites have been consulted for further information regarding certain keywords and concepts. Important keywords which are found throughout the essay are: anthropocentrism, cowboy, culture, dualism, nature and sheepherder. My initial theory is that even though it might not be intended, a nature and culture dualism is present in The Solace of Open Spaces. I base the assumption on my belief that all humans objectify nature and see nature as a possession. The aim of the essay is to establish whether there is a nature and culture dualism present in The Solace of Open Spaces.