Opportunity for solitude as a desirable attribute of wilderness character

This dissertation examines the contemporary, western adulation of wilderness solitude and its frequent portrayal as a defining part of wilderness character. The experience refers to a period of voluntary isolation within a wilderness setting, defined as a self-willed ecosystem that shows historical fidelity to its primeval character and minimal evidence of man’s presence. Significant research effort has already addressed the practical stewardship challenges of providing opportunities for solitude within designated wilderness areas. What remains less well defined is the intriguing question of why solitude is so frequently and favourably associated with wilderness in the western canon. Wilderness solitude as a voluntary, positive experience would seem to go against our tribal instincts to seek safety in communities and to defy the historical understanding of wilderness as a frightening realm of monsters and savage barbarity.

In this dissertation, elements of literary analysis are combined with wilderness social science to identify potential motivating factors that drive people to seek temporary isolation from others within wilderness. This includes a number of cognitive, spiritual and emotional factors. These desires are shown to be compatible with the biophysical attributes of wilderness that enhance privacy from unwanted company, and the symbolism of wilderness that inspires moments of personal development. Examining wilderness solitude from this perspective builds on our understanding of its subjective and multifaceted nature and may have practical implications for how we manage designated wilderness areas. A conceptual study of wilderness solitude can also inform our thinking on more theoretical questions about how one defines the value of wilderness and the human relationship with nature.