Alexis Baer about 200 words
anb8@geneseo.edu
Student, INTD: Writing Science
Cronon and the gazebo
by Alexis Baer
Wilderness is classified into two different categories, “sublimes” and physical landscapes. Combining these two created a new interpretation for nature, one with sacredness and valuable meaning. At the end of a passage Cronon states, “The middle ground is where we actually live. It is where we – all of us, in our different places and ways – make our homes” (Cronon, 103). Cronon would agree that the gazebo is similar to “home” because it’s resembles unity that is frequently visited by a variety students on campus coming together; this structure relates to protection, admiration of nature, and is inviting. Additionally; Cronon connects this quote to forests and backyard nature because even though they come from different environments, they all are alike and should be equally preserved from destruction. Cronon also claims, “Feelings like these argue for the importance of self-awareness and self-criticism as we exercise our own ability to transform the world around us…” (Cronon, 105). I would agree with Cronon’s relationship between humans and emotions, the gazebo represents a place of self thought to escape the chaotic world. These decisions can impact not only individuals themselves, but likewise the nature around us.
Hi Alexis, It seems that part of what you’re doing here is to think of the gazebo as a middle ground where humans can engage in the kind of self-reflection that Cronon urges is necessary to understand our ability to affect the world around us. I’d like to see much more rich evidence from your object that would support this reading of it–what is it about the gazebo that makes it a middle ground? What specific details and facts about it support this idea? And what details about it support this idea that it is a place for reflection and contemplation? I mean, couldn’t you also argue it’s a place for trysts and late-night drinking (I don’t know, I’m just playing devil’s advocate here). At the sentence level, you need to keep track of characters and actions (consider the phrase “the structure relates to protection”—“relates to” is a wishy-washy verb—I think a more active verb would make this clause clearer in its ideas). Thanks for this!