How could one describe the relationship between humans and nature? Perhaps it is one of control, a constant struggle between the power of the elements and the sophistication of human mechanization. Could it be one of symbiosis, where man and nature coexist in relative peace? Are we, as a species, simply a part of nature's constantly changing realm? This issue is one that philosophers have debated for centuries. Where does mankind fit into the vast network of interacting environments and beings called nature? From the beginning of time, we have attempted to set ourselves apart from the rest of Earth's creatures. Given the ability to reason, and to feel, and most importantly, to choose, we find ourselves with "the impulse to master and manipulate elemental force" (Pacey 86). We must fight, we must advance, and we must control all these elements of the natural world. But just how much of that world do we control? Surely people attempt and perceive control over nature, but do they succeed?

The question of control, over nature in specific, is one of the prevalent themes that runs through Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. This novel is set

This thintelligent thinking, or what I prefer to call tunnel vision, is the primary reason that the experts ceased to believe that their control over the animals was merely perceived. If this were realized, perhaps their thintelligence could have been turned into intelligence, possibly dodging catastrophe.

"They both have what I call 'thintelligence'. They see the immediate situation. They think narrowly and call it 'being focused.' They don't see the surround. They don't see the

At the beginning of this discussion, a question was posed; how could one describe the relationship between man and nature? In the novel Jurassic Park, surely it was an attempt of control. However, in the end, who was controlling whom? Did man, with all of his reasoning and scientific fact, prevail over the savagery of prehistoric animals, or did nature's most awesome product win out in the end? Control is an interesting notion. The experts in Jurassic Park perceived they were in full control of the island, but they were indeed misled. No technical fix that they implemented could ever have served to control or master the elements of nature, yet through the entire novel they believed the animals to be their "prisoners." In this instance, the prisoners broke free from their constraints, and in the end, won the battle of control. Simply put, nature prevailed.

The theme of man's perceived control over nature is one that Crichton has masterfully incorporated into his novel. The actions of the park experts present to the reader the false idea "that the proper role of man is mastery over nature" (Pacey 65). Mankind has always attempted to achieve this mastery, and the construction of Jurassic Park is a perfect example. Crichton uses the character of Ian Malcolm to constantly present this theme. Through his eyes, one may see past the awe of Jurassic Park and realize its most fundamental flaws. Malcolm describes the park s

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Approximate Word count = 1299
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)