Edward Abbey and Barry Lopez

Paper Summary:

The paper presents parallels between Edward Abbey and Barry Lopez. The paper discusses how Abbey became a fierce defender of nature and of life and how in his writing, he emphasized his personal belief that opinions without action are pleasant to talk about, but achieve very little in the final analysis. The paper examines how Lopez brings to light the beauty and complexity of nature as it relates to the human life. The paper shows how both writers have entertained, activated and motivated readers towards a better understanding of the world around them. The paper explains that while Abbey was more vocal and aggressive in his approach, both men have earned a valued place in the world of environmental activism in their own unique way.

Outline:
Introduction
The Life, Times and Writings of Edward Abbey
Barry Lopez in Life and Literature
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Edward Abbey was a native Pennsylvanian, having been born in Indiana, PA on January 29, 1927, spending his infancy and early life, as he described it, "(living) at the end of a red dog dirt road"(Duryee). His early life, being the child of parents who were simple country dwellers in the Appalachian hills of Pennsylvania, developed in the young Abbey an intense interest in the irony of the simplicity and complexity of nature, which was much like his own personality. Because of his growing up in an atmosphere of people who embraced nature and the value of all forms of life, Abbey became a fierce defender of nature and of life; in fact, there was a pivotal event in his early life that reinforced these core beliefs and indeed shaped his future."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Duryee, K. "Edward Abbey-A Man Hard to Talk About." Desert USA Magazine November, 2000. 4 May 2006 <http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/nov/papr/abbey.html>.
• Edward Abbey. 2002. Ecology Hall of Fame. 5 May 2006 <http://www.ecotopia.org/ehof/abbey>.
• Edward Abbey-Writer, Desert Anarchist. 2003. Americans Who Tell the Truth.com. 5 May 2006 <http://www.americanswhotellthetruth.org/pgs/portraits/Edward_Abbey.html>.
• Lopez, B. Self Portrait. 5 May 2006 <http://www.barrylopez.com>.
• Richards, L. Barry Lopez-Interview with the Author. 2001. 4 May 2006 <http://www.januarymagazine.com/profiles/blopez.htm>.

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