Frankenstein

The Conflict between Man and Nature

in “The Bull Moose” and “Walking the Dog”

Although nature surrounds our lives in many forms, very few people take the time to appreciate its beauty. Those who do truly understand the beauty it brings, find harmony among man and nature. In Alan Nolan’s “The Bull Moose” (1962) the author depicts the disturbing relationship between man and natures creatures, while Howard Nemerovs,”Walking the Dog” (1980) clearly allows us to see that we can coexist in harmony. The characters in the two poems have drastically different views of nature and the role humans play as a part of the circle of life. Although we have the same basic needs of food, water, companionship, and shelter, these two characters need to feel superior, but achieve that feeling in totally different ways.

It is thought that more civilized people occupy rural areas, but it is apparent that this does not always hold true. In “The Bull Moose” the characters are in a rural setting described by the purple mist of trees on the mountain, forest of white spruce and cedar, and a pole fenced pasture. Sadly the moose is mistreated solely for the amusement of the town’s people. “The children teased him with alder switches and he gazed at them like and old, tolerant collie”. In this poem the animal appeared to have more common sense and respect for life than the humans. Although he was being tortured, he did not become aggressive. The moose showed the characteristics displayed by a great human being by the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More civilized was the character in “Walking the Dog”. It is implied in this poem that the setting is more urban as he describes looking at lamplight through leaves

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