Travel Writing in English Literature

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

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