Artists and writers, for centuries, have discussed the benefits and consequences of man existing within the natural world. Many argue that there is a clear divide. Man is destroying nature. They are two forces that can not and should not coexist. Other artists assert that man belongs in the natural world. They argue that the line between man an nature is blurred, or nonexistent. The discussion of mans’ place in nature is one that has produced beautiful literary works, as well as sparked fierce debates.
Both Toomer’s Cane and Euripides’ The Bacchae address the theme of man in nature. This intertextual conversation between allows us as readers to form an opinion of our own. In his play, Euripides paints nature as something that can (and does) take over. Through the Maenads, Euripides shows his audience that nature ultimately has the power to control man. Toomer responds to this notion in Cane. In his book, Toomer shows that man and his society have the ability to taint nature. With this lens, our perception of this theme becomes richer and more complex
That is the beauty of intertextuality; depth. Looking at texts alongside each other adds to the experience of reading. It enriches our experience and gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a them, not just a text.