Pastoral literature is a genre that idealizes rural life and the simplicity of nature, often contrasting it with the complexities of urban existence. It typically features shepherds and rustic characters, celebrating their connection to the land and the beauty of the countryside. This genre can be traced back to ancient works, such as those by Theocritus and Virgil, who depicted idyllic scenes of pastoral life. In pastoral literature, themes of love, nature, and the passage of time are common. The genre often employs a lyrical style, using vivid imagery to evoke the tranquility of rural settings. Notable examples include Christopher Marlowe's "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" and William Wordsworth's poems that reflect on the beauty of nature and the simplicity of pastoral life.