Henry Bugbee's Wilderness In America (outside reading)-Nayra Guevara

Henry Bugbee focuses on the important role the American Wilderness played in the history of the United States. He quotes Thoreau’s definition of wilderness and explains how the definition has evolved throughout time. At one point it referred to the “back country,” then it evolved from there. Bugbee also concentrates on the connection humans have always had to nature, dating back to pre-colonized North America. Specifically speaking about Native Indians’ dialectical interplay with the land, Bugbee shows how vital nature is to humanity. The author also contemplates why the land has played and continues to play such a fundamental role in society. He concludes that nature lends a sort of partnership with man that he constantly searches for in world. Wilderness also offers man a place of solitude and peaceful contemplation. Bugbee’s article is very well-written. However, he could have offered more examples to answer his own questions. This would make it easier for the reader to grasp his points.