A significant goal of environmental classes is to show the relationship between man and nature, rather than dividing them into two distinct categories. In Robinson Jeffers’ anthology, The Wild God of the World, he effectively shows what exactly connects man and nature. In the poem “Phenomena” it is shown that both man and animal share the sky and ocean. Then in the poem “The Bloody Sire” Jeffers notes the similarities between the violent nature of humans and animals. These works are a necessity for environmentally based classes. If only scholarly works were taught it would not explore the creative aspect of human nature, something very closely tied with the environment. By teaching poetry, it allows for a greater understanding of how nature…show more content… He states “Gulls; and dingy freightship lurching south in the eye of a rain-wind” (Jeffers, “Phenomena” line 3). Neither man or animal are capable of overcoming a storm, each brace themselves for impact in similar ways. Jeffers then compares “The air-plane dipping over the hill; hawks hovering” (“Phenomena” 4). Humans, and nature are seen to not be so different, each can perform majestic aerial feats. The invention of the plane allows humanity becomes closer to winged animals and creates an area, the sky, in which they coexist together. Jeffers then describes the sounds of “Lonely wings and a cry; or with motor vibrations” that reverberate in the night (“Phenomena” 10). Jeffers does not contend that the mechanical noise overpowers the sounds of birds, rather that both sounds exist side-by-side, and share the space that they reside in. Human invented transport is portrayed as an equal feat to the majesty of nature. By teaching this poem it creates an understanding between the relationship between humans and nature. Healthy cohabitation is an essential part of the teachings in most environmental classes. Failing to explore this in a creative manner can dehumanize the subject. If this relationship is explored through facts alone it lacks a human approach. Studying these poems helps to explore and define this relationship through the creative view that humans
