A characteristic of naturalism that we see in this novel is that nature is presented as

Nature’s role in war and human affairs is a main topic in the book. It explores Henry’s connection to it and his ponderings on its workings. The natural world continues with its own business no matter what horrors and atrocities are committed within it. Henry regards it as a safe haven and often seeks the comfort of nature when he is feeling overwhelmed by battle: “The landscape gave him assurance. A fair field holding life. It was the religion of peace.” (41)