tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393767047761198934.post1481029157720050912..comments2014-07-09T00:29:40.725-04:00Comments on Reading the Extreme in World Adventure Narratives: jashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04174652571648541889noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393767047761198934.post-10835316832961066472013-05-08T23:21:36.811-04:002013-05-08T23:21:36.811-04:00I really enjoyed Fredston's societal critiques...I really enjoyed Fredston's societal critiques and environmental standpoint. Perhaps I'm swayed because I am an Environmental Studies major, but I can't imagine spending such focused time out in nature as the people we've read about this semester have done and not considering the anthropogenic threats to our earth that threaten the viability of pristine locations of "wilderness." Honestly, I'm surprised more of the narratives we've read haven't focused more on environmental issues and land preservation. (I realize I'm heavily biased, but still!) Not to say other authors didn't lament the commercialization of Everest and degradation of other landscapes, but Fredston's critique is more apparent. <br />To me, Fredston is arguably the most admirable adventurer we've read this semester--not only because of her concerns for social and environmental justice, but also for her priorities. I'm glad we're ending the term with a pair who adventure because they love exploring on the water while discovering themselves and strengthening their relationship. The simplicity in these motivations is beautiful and puts our semester into perspective; adventuring is incredibly personal and can bring about huge accomplishments while providing moments for introspection. For example, during one of Fredston's asides into environmental philosophy she says, "but these were thoughts that would surface once I was back on the river" (94). Rowing allows her to think and process her thoughts.Heather Kriegerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04757721088083170449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393767047761198934.post-13589455569508906542013-05-07T08:57:03.200-04:002013-05-07T08:57:03.200-04:00I agree that Fredston is unique among the author&#...I agree that Fredston is unique among the author's we've read in her vivid depictions of the world around her, and her desire to give a voice to the voiceless. One passage that stood out to me in particular was where she expresses her desire to "give voice to the caribou that graze without fear along the Labrador shore, to the wide-shouldered brown bears of the Alaska Peninsula who depend upon the annual migration of salmon, to fjords uncut by roads and power lines" (xvi). While it is slightly problematic that Fredston is anthropocentrically giving human voices to non-human beings, I think her desire to write for other beings and not just herself is pretty respectable. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18146437335794972624noreply@blogger.com