Stickeen

• by JOHN MUIR
• Featured on: The Best American Essays of the Century
• Read it: http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/stickeen/the_story_of_a_dog.aspx

Essay Review: "Stickeen" by JOHN MUIR

John Muir's "Stickeen" is a classic essay that recounts an exciting voyage across the Alaskan wilderness. The essay recalls Muir's adventure with a little dog named Stickeen, who accompanied him on a risky crossing of a glacier river. Through this excursion, Muir contemplates the splendor of the natural world and the resilience of the human soul.

At its core, "Stickeen" is a meditation on the relationship between humans and the environment. The essay is filled with Muir's descriptions of the rocky Alaskan scenery and his profound admiration for the natural world. He writes that the environment was awe-inspiring and that its strength was both humbling and energizing. Through this lens, Muir makes a striking commentary on the need of preserving and protecting the natural world.

In addition to its environmental topics, "Stickeen" is remarkable for its literary features. Muir's language is vivid and evocative, and he brilliantly depicts the grandeur and majesty of the Alaskan environment. Through his words, he transports the reader to this distant and rugged landscape and invites them to experience its strength and awe for themselves.

The essay is also renowned for its philosophical themes. Muir muses on the significance of tenacity, bravery, and resolve in the face of hardship. He observes that the journey with Stickeen was a test of his own spirit and that the experience offered him vital lessons about the strength of the human spirit. Through this perspective, Muir makes a compelling commentary on the necessity of determination and tenacity in the face of life's adversities.

In conclusion, "Stickeen" by John Muir is a classic essay that describes the narrative of an amazing trek across the Alaskan tundra. The essay is a monument to the splendor of the natural world and the resilience of the human spirit. Through its vivid images and philosophical thoughts, the essay provides a valuable contribution to the fields of environmental studies, literary studies, and American studies and is important reading for scholars and students interested in these areas.