Final answer:
John Muir's 'The Calypso Borealis' is an essay that describes his encounter with nature, particularly the Calypso orchid, with rich descriptions and a deep sense of emotional and spiritual connection to the natural world. The writing is evocative and minimally detailed, inviting readers to actively engage with the text. It aligns with the genre of creative nonfiction through its use of literary devices and personal narrative tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Muir's 'The Calypso Borealis' is an example of an essay. In this essay, Muir provides a vivid depiction of his encounter with the rare Calypso orchid during his botanical explorations. This literary piece is a celebration of nature, exemplifying how deeply Muir is moved by his experiences in the natural world. Rather than providing a simple documentation of flora, Muir's narrative weaves together elements of personal emotion, spiritual reverence, and profound respect for the environment, portraying nature in a decidedly positive and almost mystical light.
In this nonfiction work, the natural world and its elements like plants, ecosystems, and landscapes are richly and warmly described. Muir's enthusiastic descriptions of his surroundings and his encounter with the flower contribute to a narrative style that, much like Tarjei Vesaas' poetic minimalism, leaves space for the reader to imaginatively engage with the text. The subtlety in his descriptions, favoring evocation over exhaustive detail, distinguishes Muir's writing with a lyrical quality that resembles poetry but remains an essay.
The way in which 'The Calypso Borealis' represents the natural world is comparable to the artistic narrative found in creative nonfiction. Creative nonfiction often highlights nature in a way that is personal, imbued with literary devices such as metaphors and imagery, closely aligning with Muir's style of writing. Whether describing the delicate features of a flower or the grandeur of a landscape, Muir's essay shows a profound and positive relationship with the natural world.