Question

How can you explain the anti-urban attitude that English literature is full of? Comment on the idea expressed in the text "God made the country and man made the town

Answer 1

Как вы можете объяснить анти городских настрой, что английская литература полна комментировать идею, высказанную в тексте Бог создал землю, а человек построил город

Answer 2

The Anti-Urban Attitude in English Literature

English literature is often characterized by an anti-urban attitude, which can be seen in various works throughout history. This attitude reflects a preference for rural or natural settings over urban environments. One famous expression of this sentiment is the quote "God made the country and man made the town."

The idea expressed in this quote suggests that the natural world, created by God, is inherently superior to the artificial constructs of human civilization. It implies that the countryside, with its simplicity, beauty, and connection to nature, is more desirable than the bustling, crowded, and often corrupt urban areas. This sentiment can be found in many works of English literature, including poetry, novels, and essays.

One possible explanation for this anti-urban attitude is the romanticization of nature and the longing for a simpler, more authentic way of life. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution brought about rapid urbanization and the growth of cities. This period also witnessed the rise of the Romantic movement, which celebrated the beauty of nature and emphasized the importance of individual experience and emotion. Romantic writers often contrasted the purity and tranquility of the countryside with the chaos and artificiality of the city.

Another factor that contributed to the anti-urban attitude in English literature is the association of cities with negative aspects of modernity, such as industrialization, pollution, social inequality, and moral decay. Writers often depicted the city as a place of corruption, vice, and alienation, contrasting it with the idyllic rural landscape. This portrayal of the city as a morally and spiritually bankrupt environment can be seen in works like Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" and William Blake's "London."

It is important to note that while English literature does contain an anti-urban attitude, this does not mean that all English writers shared this perspective. There are also many examples of literature that explore the complexities and contradictions of urban life, as well as writers who celebrated the vibrancy and diversity of cities.

In conclusion, the anti-urban attitude in English literature reflects a preference for the natural world and a critique of the negative aspects of urbanization. It is rooted in the romanticization of nature, the longing for a simpler way of life, and the association of cities with negative aspects of modernity. However, it is important to recognize that this attitude is not universal and that literature also explores the complexities of urban life.