Response to Hallie, Callie, and Dale's question

I think that some authors choose to write about the gruesome parts of nature rather than the merely pristine parts to further explore the depth of beauty that nature has to offer. Observing the aesthetically pleasing elements of nature doesn't take a lot of effort. It only requires being able to physically see the beauty of the scene. On the other side of the spectrum, the gruesome parts of nature require more thought and a sincere appreciation for what is happening. While the image of a shark devouring a seal may seem gruesome on the surface, the beauty can be found in understanding the "circle of life" in nature. The delicate balance between predator and prey relationships is so intricate, that it becomes beautiful in its own way. Because it's harder for many people to get a grasp on the beauty of the not so pretty pictures in nature, authors describe these graphic images to give the readers some exposure to the realities of nature. Exposure to what really happens in nature is the only way to get a complete understanding of the beauty of all aspects of the interconnected web of nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that, "each moment of the year has its own beauty", and that includes the gruesome and picturesque scenes found in nature. In a way, finding beauty in all parts of nature is similar to finding happiness in life. Life is full of laughter, love, and friendship, while death, pain, and tragedy are equally prominent. It may be difficult, but in order to lead a healthy life, accepting the dark parts of life is necessary. Similarly, in order to fully appreciate nature and live in harmony with it, it's imperative to accept the dark along with the bright parts of it.