pastoral genre

The pastoral genre is a literary tradition that idealizes rural life and nature, often portraying shepherds, farmers, or rustic settings as symbols of peace, simplicity, and harmony. It contrasts the simplicity of country living with the complexities of urban or courtly life. Pastoral works often explore themes of love, innocence, and the beauty of the natural world, serving as a reflection on human life through the lens of rural serenity. This genre helps readers appreciate nature's tranquility while examining societal values and human emotions within an idyllic countryside context.