Study Questions
David Barnhill
“Surveying the Landscape”
Consider these questions as you read the article and jot down answers that will help you engage in class discussion.
1. Lyon offers a “taxonomy” of nature writing. According to Lyon , what are the main components of nature writing? What is a taxonomy, and what does it do?
2. What are the basic components in Murphy’s taxonomy of nature writing? Why did Murphy offer an alternative to Lyon ’s taxonomy – what did he find lacking in it? How does Murphy’s taxonomy differ from Lyon ’s? How is it similar?
3. Barnhill offers a different characterization of nature writing, with a different list of aspects. What are the aspects in his characterization of nature writing? Which ones are the same or similar to those in Lyon ’s? In Murphy’s? Which ones are new? Do you think these elements belong in nature writing? Why do you think they have not been included before?
4. Barnhill’s alternative is not another taxonomy but something else. What does Barnhill find problematic about taxonomies? How is his approach different? What does he consider the benefits of an “ecosystem” approach versus a taxonomy? Do you agree? Why or why not?
5. How will your reading of nature writing be different – or will it – if you approach texts with this characterization of nature writing in mind?
6. Look again at Leslie Marmon Silko's essay "Landscape, History, and the Pueblo Imagination." What elements are involved in that essay? Which elements are most important and prominent?
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