THE ROLE OF NATURE IN LITERARY WORKS

Nature is one of the most significant artistic elements in literary works. Throughout the history of literature, writers and poets have used natural images to express human emotions, reveal characters' inner worlds, create artistic atmosphere, and communicate philosophical ideas. Descriptions of mountains, rivers, forests, seasons, and weather often carry meanings that go beyond their literal representation. They may symbolize hope, loneliness, freedom, conflict, or the passage of time. This article examines the artistic and symbolic functions of nature in literary works, focusing on its relationship with character development, plot construction, and the expression of the author's central ideas. Examples from world literature demonstrate that nature is not merely a background for events but an active element in creating literary meaning.