How is Ichabod Cranes failed pursuit of Katrina Van Tassel a metaphor for the inferiority of society compared to nature?

Ichabod's
failed pursuit of Katrina Van Tassel works as afor the inferiority of society compared to
nature, because Ichabod himself represents a man obsessed with some of the worst aspects of
society.  He is a school teacher but feels no particularly strong calling to the profession. 
Rather, his interest stems from the ease with which it allows him to exploit the families of his
students "who happened to have pretty sisters, or good housewives for mothers, noted for
the comforts of the cupboard."  He uses and abuses the system for sustenance.