AMERICAN PASTORAL Meaning and
Definition
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American pastoral refers to a literary genre and concept that portrays idealized rural American life, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by the depiction of a peaceful, idyllic existence in the countryside, often focusing on farming, rural communities, and the simplicity of agrarian lifestyles. American pastoral writing often romanticizes nature, emphasizing its beauty and the harmonious relationship between humans and the land.
The term "American pastoral" also extends beyond literature to describe a social and cultural idealization of rural America. It encapsulates nostalgic visions of a simpler time, highlighting traditional values, strong community bonds, and a close connection to nature. This sentiment has been influential in shaping American identity, as it plays on the nation's agrarian roots and fosters a sense of nostalgia for a perceived simpler, more innocent way of life.
Additionally, "American pastoral" is often associated with a sense of longing for a lost innocence and an idyllic past that may not have ever truly existed. This nuanced understanding recognizes the romanticized version of rural America in literature and popular culture while acknowledging the complexities of actual rural existence, past or present.
American pastoral, as both a genre and concept, serves as a lens for exploring questions of identity, the changing nature of American society, and the tension between urbanization and rural life.
Etymology of AMERICAN PASTORAL
The word "American pastoral" is a phrase composed of two components: "American" and "pastoral".
"American" refers to anything related to the United States of America. It originates from the Latin word "Americānus", which is derived from "America", the Latinized form of the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci explored the coast of South and North America during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and the continents were subsequently named after him. The term "American" came to represent the people, culture, and things associated with the United States.
"Pastoral" is an adjective that describes or pertains to the countryside, rural life, or idyllic rural settings. It comes from the Latin word "pastor", meaning "shepherd".
