The perception of Indigenous people in literature is heavily influenced by the attitudes of white writers toward nature. In America, these attitudes have varied widely, shaping how different authors depict Indian values. Some writers, like Thoreau, embrace nature, seeking spiritual enlightenment in its depths. Others, like Benjamin Franklin, exhibit a more negative view, expressing disdain for the natural world.

This contrasting relationship with nature is a testament to the complex discourse on identity and representation in literature. The mixed feelings of American writers toward nature reflect a broader, ongoing struggle to understand and articulate the place of Indigenous people within that context.