Algernon Blackwood
The Man Whom the Trees Loved
"The Man Whom the Trees Loved" by Algernon Blackwood is a supernatural novella written during the early 20th century. The story centers around David Bittacy, an aging man with a profound connection to trees and nature, as well as his wife Sophia, who struggles to understand and accept this passion. David's perception of the trees as sentient beings evolves into a deeper, almost mystical bond that creates tension within their marriage. The opening of the novella introduces David Bittacy's unique talent for capturing the essence of trees in his art. His ability to make each tree seem alive is both admired and questioned by those around him, particularly his wife, who fears the deepening connection he has to the woods. As the narrative unfolds, the dichotomy between the couple's different perspectives on nature is established—David experiences the beauty and life within it, while Sophia battles her apprehensions and religious fears regarding the woods, which she associates with danger and the unknown. The tension between David's longing for communion with the trees and Sophia's anxiety creates a compelling dynamic as the story progresses toward supernatural implications surrounding their relationship with nature.