On The Transcendentalist Thoughts In Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim At Tinker Creek

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is the work of Pulitzer Prize for General Non-fiction in 1975,which has been praised as “the most influential model of contemporary natural literature” in the American literary circles.The book shows the author’s observation and perception for one year living at Tinker Creek,Blue Hill,Virginia.The author Annie Dillard,the most important American literary writer of nature in the 1900 s,is recognized as the heir to transcendentalism in the 20 th century.The purpose of this paper tries to discover the transcendentalist thoughts embodied in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek from three aspects----nature,Spirit and individuality.Except the introduction and conclusion,this thesis consists of three chapters.Chapter one shows the nature in Dillard’s eyes.Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is also based on seasonal change.It is a more real and objective nature with not only magic,beauty and spectacle,but also cruelty,indifference and terror.The second chapter elaborates the thought of Spirit reflected from Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.Nature is symbolic of Spirit of God.From the title of this book,the author inherits the tradition of transcendentalism.Annie Dillard walked into nature in a manner of deference.In her focus,her body can even be integrated with nature and resonate!Chapter three explains that Dillard tries to show human’s unfettered individuality.While depicting natural romance and philosophy,Dillard dares to think boldly to ask questions,even trying to answer them in an unprecedented way by using metaphor.In addition,she also shows people a pure concept of life,both open mind and complete focus.Precipitate yourself and enjoy the present.Pilgrim at Tinker Creek not only embodies the traditional transcendentalism,but also transcends it,which brings it to an organic unity with the modern society.This paper points out the practical significance of transcendentalism in the rapid development of industry in the contemporary society.