Ver van die huis, maar naby die grond: die rol van die natuur ten opsigte van krisishantering in die vreemde in Stiltetyd (Marita van der Vyver) en Sabbatsreis (Annelie Botes)

Abstract

This article explores the role played by nature and by the interaction with nature in dealing with crisis circumstances during a stay in a foreign country, as depicted in Stiltetyd (Marita van der Vyver) and Sabbatsreis (Annelie Botes). Research by Rohde and Kendle (1997) on the influence of urban nature on the psychological and spiritual well-being of human beings forms the theoretical basis of the investigation. The main aim is to establish the effect of contact with nature on the main characters in terms of emotional, social, cognitive and actual behaviour. The investigation indicates that contact with nature is beneficial to the characters in terms of dealing with crisis, in that it contributes to emotional stability and support, and has an effect on a cognitive and social level to the benefit of their psychological well-being, rousing the characters towards more optimistic and purposeful behaviour in their crisis circumstances.