there are many references in the novel to nature. What seems to be Crane's concept of man's relationship to nature? do you agree?

Nature works into the novel as an extension of the men, war and the protagonist. It sympolizes the utter distruction than man inflicts. Nature also represents a sense of salvation in many parts of the novel.

Nature works into the novel as an extension of the men, war and the protagonist. It symbolizes the utter destruction than man inflicts. Nature also represents a sense of salvation in many parts of the novel. At times Henry buries himself into the ground as if he could disappear into the earth. At other times he is dodging shell holes in the scorched earth. Crane always gives us a sense of the impermanence of man and the perennial role of nature. The sun always seems to look on, unconcerned about the mayhem underneath. Birds show up but disappear when the violence starts. The earth also eventually reclaims the dead who rot into her.