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Travel Writing: Etymology and Concept
Etymology of Travel Writing
The term “travel writing” which emerged as a distinct genre in the late 18th century is a compound noun formed from the words “travel,” derived from the Middle English “travail” (meaning “work,” “labor,” or “journey”), and “writing,” from Old English “writan” (meaning “to scratch” or “form letters”). The etymology reflects the historical intertwining of arduous journeys and the subsequent recording of experiences, observations, and reflections. Early travel writings often focused on exploration, trade, pilgrimage, or diplomatic missions. As literacy and leisure travel increased, the genre expanded to encompass a wider range of perspectives, styles, and motivations.
Table: Key Concepts in Travel Writing
Concept | Description |
Subjectivity | Travel writing is inherently subjective, reflecting the writer’s unique perceptions, biases, and cultural background. |
Place | The depiction of place is central to travel writing. This includes physical landscapes, cultural atmospheres, and the writer’s emotional response to the environment. |
Journey | The narrative of the journey itself is often as important as the destination. This includes modes of transportation, encounters with people, and the challenges and triumphs experienced along the way. |
Cultural Exchange | Travel writing frequently explores encounters with different cultures, customs, and beliefs. This can lead to greater understanding or, at times, reinforce stereotypes. |
Transformation | Travel is often portrayed as a transformative experience, leading to personal growth, self-discovery, and a changed perspective on the world. |
Purpose | Travel writing can serve various purposes, including entertainment, education, social commentary, or even political advocacy. |
Literary Techniques | Travel writers employ various literary techniques, such as vivid descriptions, metaphors, anecdotes, and dialogue, to create engaging and evocative narratives. |
Travel Writing: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Theorist | Key Work(s) | Central Arguments |
Dean MacCannell | The Tourist: A New Theory of the Leisure Class (1976) | Tourism as Ritual: Argues that tourism is a modern ritual through which people seek authenticity and staged experiences to reaffirm their own cultural identity. |
Mary Louise Pratt | Imperial Eyes: Travel Writing and Transculturation (1992) | Contact Zones: Introduces the concept of “contact zones” where cultures meet and clash, and how travel writing often reflects power dynamics and cultural misunderstandings. |
Edward Said | Orientalism (1978) | Critique of Orientalism: Examines how Western representations of the “Orient” (Middle East, Asia) have been historically inaccurate and shaped by colonial power structures due to the travellogue writing. |
James Clifford | Routes: Travel and Translation in the Late Twentieth Century (1997) | Travel and Identity: Explores the complex relationship between travel, identity formation, and cultural exchange. |
Sara Mills | Discourses of Difference: An Analysis of Women’s Travel Writing and Colonialism (1991) | Gender and Travel Writing: Analyzes how gender shapes travel writing experiences and representations, particularly in the context of colonialism and post-colonialism. |
Paul Fussell | Abroad: British Literary Traveling Between the Wars (1980) | Travel and Modernity: Examines how travel writing in the early 20th century reflected anxieties about modernity, cultural change, and the decline of the British Empire. |
Tim Youngs | The Cambridge Introduction to Travel Writing (2013) | Overview of Travel Writing: Provides a comprehensive overview of travel writing’s history, genres, and key themes. |
Jonathan Raban | Old Glory: An American Voyage (1981) | Personal Narrative and Place: Blends personal narrative with historical and cultural reflections on place, demonstrating the power of subjective experience in travel writing. |
Travel Writing: Principles
- Vivid Description: Engaging travel writing uses sensory details to paint a vivid picture of the place.
- Example: In The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain, Twain describes the vivid colors and bustling life of the Mediterranean ports, making readers feel as if they are experiencing the scenes themselves.
- Personal Narrative: The writer’s personal experiences and reflections add depth and authenticity.
- Example: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love intertwines her personal journey of self-discovery with the cultural experiences she encounters in Italy, India, and Indonesia.
- Cultural Insight: Providing insights into the culture, traditions, and customs of the destination.
- Example: In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin offers deep cultural insights into the Patagonian region, its history, and its inhabitants, blending travelogue with historical narrative.
- Historical Context: Including historical context to enrich the reader’s understanding of the place.
- Example: In A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby, historical anecdotes about Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains provide readers with a richer appreciation of the region’s significance.
- Engaging Storytelling: Using narrative techniques to create an engaging and captivating story.
- Example: The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux uses his journey on the train as a narrative framework, creating an engaging travelogue filled with interesting characters and adventures.
- Authenticity: Maintaining an authentic voice and perspective.
- Example: Pico Iyer’s The Art of Stillness offers an authentic exploration of the concept of stillness and travel, blending personal reflection with observations on the nature of travel and rest.
- Humor and Wit: Incorporating humor and wit to entertain and engage the reader.
- Example: Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods is infused with humor and witty observations, making his account of hiking the Appalachian Trail both informative and entertaining.
- Local Encounters: Highlighting interactions with local people to provide a human element.
- Example: Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron focuses on Thubron’s encounters with diverse peoples along the Silk Road, offering intimate glimpses into their lives and cultures.
- Reflective Tone: Including reflective and introspective elements to convey the writer’s inner journey.
- Example: Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck is as much about Steinbeck’s reflections on America and its people as it is about the physical journey across the country.
- Environmental Awareness: Addressing environmental issues and the natural landscape.
- Example: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer delves into the natural beauty of Alaska while also discussing the environmental implications of human intrusion into wild spaces.
Travel Writing: Relevance in Literary Theories
- Postcolonial Theory:
- Focus: Examines power dynamics between colonizer and colonized, representations of the “Other,” and the impact of colonialism on cultural identity.
- Questions: How does the travel writer depict the local culture? Are they perpetuating stereotypes or challenging them? Do they acknowledge their position of privilege as a visitor?
- Feminist Theory:
- Focus: Explores gender roles and representations in literature, often challenging patriarchal norms.
- Questions: How are women portrayed in the travel narrative? Does the writer consider gender dynamics in different cultures? Is the narrative informed by a feminist perspective?
- Marxist Theory:
- Focus: Analyzes the role of social class and economic structures in shaping literature.
- Questions: How does the writer depict economic inequalities in the places they visit? Do they acknowledge the impact of capitalism on local communities?
- Ecocriticism:
- Focus: Examines the relationship between literature and the environment.
- Questions: How does the writer represent nature? Do they discuss environmental issues in the places they visit? What is their attitude towards ecological impact?
- New Historicism:
- Focus: Analyzes literature in its historical context, considering social, political, and cultural factors.
- Questions: What historical events or cultural norms influenced the writer’s perspective? How does the travel narrative reflect the historical context in which it was written?
Examples in a Table
Travel Work | Literary Theory | Key Questions | Possible Analysis |
“In Patagonia” by Bruce Chatwin | Postcolonial Theory | How does Chatwin represent the indigenous people of Patagonia? Does he acknowledge the history of colonialism in the region? | Chatwin’s portrayal of the indigenous people can be seen as romanticized and exotic, potentially perpetuating colonial stereotypes. |
“A Woman Alone” by Nina Rasmussen | Feminist Theory | How does Rasmussen navigate gender roles and expectations as a solo female traveler? Does she challenge traditional notions of femininity? | Rasmussen’s experiences highlight the challenges and triumphs of female independence in a world often shaped by patriarchal norms. |
“The Motorcycle Diaries” by Ernesto “Che” Guevara | Marxist Theory | How does Guevara’s journey through South America shape his understanding of social class and economic inequality? | Guevara’s observations of poverty and exploitation fuel his later political activism and revolutionary ideology. |
“Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey | Ecocriticism | How does Abbey depict the natural beauty of the American Southwest? Does he address the environmental impact of human activity in the region? | Abbey’s passionate defense of wilderness areas and critique of consumerism laid the groundwork for the modern environmental movement. |
“The Innocents Abroad” by Mark Twain | New Historicism | How does Twain’s satirical commentary reflect the cultural attitudes and social norms of 19th-century America? | Twain’s humorous observations offer insights into the anxieties and aspirations of Americans during a time of rapid industrialization and westward expansion. |
Travel Writing: Examples
1. Travel Memoir/Narrative:
- Features: Personal experiences, reflections, emotions, and insights gained during a journey. Often uses vivid language and storytelling techniques.
- Examples:
- “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert: A woman’s journey of self-discovery through Italy, India, and Indonesia.
- “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed: A memoir of a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as a personal journey of healing.
- “The Places In Between” by Rory Stewart: A walking journey through Afghanistan, exploring its history, culture, and landscape.
2. Travel Guidebook:
- Features: Practical information, recommendations, maps, itineraries, cultural insights, and historical background. Focuses on assisting travelers in planning and navigating a destination.
- Examples:
- “Lonely Planet” series: Comprehensive guidebooks covering destinations worldwide, with detailed information on attractions, accommodation, transportation, and local culture.
- “Fodor’s” series: Guidebooks known for their insider tips, cultural insights, and curated recommendations for various travel styles.
- “Rough Guides” series: Guidebooks with a focus on independent travel, offering off-the-beaten-path suggestions and cultural immersion experiences.
3. Travelogue:
- Features: A written account of a journey, often in a diary or journal format. May include personal observations, descriptions of places, people, and events, and reflections on the travel experience.
- Examples:
- “The Motorcycle Diaries” by Ernesto “Che” Guevara: A young Guevara’s journey through South America on a motorcycle, documenting his observations of poverty and social injustice.
- “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” by Eric Newby: A humorous account of two friends’ trekking adventure in the remote mountains of Afghanistan.
- “The Voyage of the Beagle” by Charles Darwin: Darwin’s scientific travelogue documenting his observations of natural history during his voyage around the world.
4. Travel Journalism:
- Features: Objective reporting on travel destinations, events, and trends. Often published in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. May include interviews, investigative reporting, and analysis of the travel industry.
- Examples:
- Articles in “Travel + Leisure” magazine: Features covering various destinations, travel trends, and cultural experiences.
- Articles in “National Geographic Traveler” magazine: In-depth reporting on global destinations, cultures, and environmental issues.
- Travel sections of major newspapers like “The New York Times” or “The Guardian”: News and feature articles on travel destinations, industry trends, and personal experiences.
5. Travel Blog:
- Features: Online platform for sharing personal travel experiences, tips, advice, and recommendations. Often includes photos, videos, and interactive elements.
- Examples:
- “Nomadic Matt”: A popular travel blog offering budget travel tips, destination guides, and personal stories.
- “The Blonde Abroad”: A travel blog focusing on solo female travel, adventure, and cultural immersion.
- “Expert Vagabond”: A blog featuring stunning photography, adventure travel stories, and practical advice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Travel Writing: Key Terms
Term | Definition |
Sense of Place | The unique atmosphere or character of a location, encompassing its physical, cultural, and historical aspects. |
Evocative Language | Vivid and descriptive language that evokes emotions and sensory experiences in the reader. |
Narrative Arc | The overall structure of a story, including its exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. |
Authenticity | The degree to which a piece of writing genuinely reflects the author’s experiences and the reality of a place. |
Cultural Sensitivity | An awareness and respect for the cultural norms and values of the people and places described. |
Subjectivity | The personal perspective or interpretation of the author, acknowledging that experiences are individual. |
Objectivity | The presentation of facts and information without personal bias or interpretation. |
Pacing | The rhythm and speed at which a story unfolds, affecting the reader’s engagement. |
Voice | The distinctive style or personality of the author, evident in their word choices and tone. |
Reflexivity | The author’s self-awareness and reflection on their role in shaping the narrative and their impact on the places visited. |
Travel Writing: Suggested Readings
Books:
- Chatwin, Bruce. In Patagonia. Jonathan Cape, 1977.
- Theroux, Paul. The Great Railway Bazaar. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1975.
- Morris, Jan. Destinations. Oxford University Press, 1980.
- Strayed, Cheryl. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Alfred A. Knopf, 2012.
- Didion, Joan. Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1968.
- Kapuscinski, Ryszard. The Shadow of the Sun. Vintage, 2002.
Web Links:
- “How to Write a Travel Article: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Matador Network. https://www.thattravelblog.com/blog/10-publications-that-will-pay-you-for-travel-writing/. Accessed 21 July 2024.
- “Tips for Becoming a Travel Writer.” Go Overseas. https://www.worldpackers.com/articles/how-to-be-a-travel-writer. Accessed 21 July 2024.
- “The Ultimate Guide to Travel Writing.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/careers/breaking-into-travel-journalism. Accessed 21 July 2024.