A Respectful Observer

Dillard is an active observer in the readings. She watches the praying mantis giving birth. When Dillard explains the mating process of the praying mantis she shows cruelty in nature. The explanation is grotesque and vivid. This is an example of cruelty in nature. The woman praying mantis eats the male while mating. While this is cruel and painful for the male, it is nature. At times it can be pretty, and at times it can be cruel. Dillard is a pilgrim, and interested strictly in observing first hand experiences that happen in nature. Dillard does not wish alter what she sees. She does not try to manipulate the experiences at all. When she is frantically searching for muskrats to observe, she never once tries to manipulate what the muskrat does. She does not set traps; she simply tries to catch a glimpse at a muskrat in their natural habitat. She states later, “I go down to the creek again, and lead a creek life. I watch and stalk.” (Dillard, 184). She is saying that she puts herself in situations to observe nature, and follows animals intently, but she does not harm them or try to manipulate their actions in anyway. She simply collects data. This relates to the theme of spirituality in the sense that she does not wish to harm nature. Dillard wants to observe God’s gifts and appreciate them. She does not try to create anything new. She just wants to enjoy and learn about it. Dillard shows respect by doing this for nature and its creations.