What do pastoral novels typically idealize?

Pastoral novels typically idealize country life as idyllic, presenting it as a peaceful, simple, and harmonious way of living in contrast to the complexities and stresses of urban life. These novels often highlight themes of nature, rural romance, and a return to simpler values, celebrating the beauty of the countryside and the joys of rural existence. This idealization serves to draw a stark difference between the perceived purity and tranquility of pastoral life and the chaos and artificiality of urban environments. As a result, readers are encouraged to appreciate nature and a slower pace of life, fostering a sense of nostalgia for an often romanticized rural ideal.