Eco-Criticism Literary Theory

Etymology of “Eco-Criticism”

The term “eco-criticism literary theory” combines the words “ecology”, “criticism” and “literary theory.” It is used to describe a literary and cultural movement that stresses upon the preservation of ecology and the environment through its propagation in literary works or critiques works based on its principals. It emerged in the 1990s.

Coined by William Rueckert in his 1978 essay “Literature and Ecology: An Experiment in Ecocriticism,” which appeared in the journal Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, the term soon turned into a complete perspective or literary theory.

Since then, it has adopted the name of ecocriticism without a hyphen and sometimes even a hyphen.

Meanings of Eco-Criticism Literary Theory

Meanings	Explanation
Literature and Nature Connection	Eco-criticism Literary Theory delves into the intricate relationship between literature and the natural world, examining how authors weave elements of nature into their works. It involves analyzing how nature serves as both a central theme and a backdrop in literature, influencing character development and narrative structure.
Environmental Ethics	In eco-criticism Literary Theory, there’s an exploration of environmental ethics by assessing the moral dimensions of human interactions with the environment as portrayed in literary works. This branch of eco-criticism seeks to uncover how literature both reflects and shapes evolving environmental ethics, shedding light on societal values and responsibilities.
Ecological Awareness	Eco-criticism Literary Theory aims to deepen ecological awareness through the study of literature. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems and processes. Furthermore, it encourages readers to cultivate a heightened appreciation for the natural world and advocates for eco-consciousness and sustainable living through the lens of literary analysis.
Environmental Crisis and Literature	Scholars within eco-criticism Literary Theory examine how literature responds to pressing environmental crises such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. They analyze how authors employ literary narratives to draw attention to urgent environmental challenges, aiming to inspire action and change in response to these critical issues.
Representation of Nature	Eco-criticism Literary Theory investigates the diverse ways in which different cultures and historical periods represent nature in literature. It involves a nuanced examination of how nature imagery, symbolism, and metaphors are employed in literary texts, emphasizing their profound impact on societal viewpoints and perspectives regarding the natural world.
Eco-Feminism	Within eco-criticism Literary Theory, eco-feminism explores the intersection of gender and environmental concerns. Scholars delve into how eco-feminist perspectives inform literary analysis and also consider the invaluable contributions of women writers to the broader discourse of eco-criticism, recognizing their unique insights and voices in this context.
Place and Space	Eco-criticism Literary Theory places significant emphasis on the role of place and space in literature, examining how regional and local contexts shape narratives. It involves a thorough exploration of how literary works contribute to our understanding of landscapes and environments, with a focus on the concept of a “sense of place” within the realm of eco-critical discourse.
Bioregionalism	Eco-criticism Literary Theory delves into the study of bioregions and their influence on literature. This inquiry includes analyzing how authors engage with and represent specific geographical regions within their works. Additionally, the perspective of bioregionalism promotes a deeper and more localized connection to environments, fostering an environmentally conscious approach to literary analysis.
Literary Activism	Eco-criticism acknowledges the potential of literature to serve as a catalyst for environmental activism. It identifies instances where literary works play a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues and inspiring movements for positive change, illustrating how literature can contribute to meaningful societal shifts and environmental progress.
Interdisciplinary Approaches	Eco-criticism Literary Theory underscores its interdisciplinary nature by incorporating insights and methodologies from various fields such as ecology, philosophy, sociology, and others. It promotes collaborative efforts that leverage diverse expertise to address complex environmental challenges through the lens of literature, recognizing the holistic and multifaceted nature of these issues.

Eco-Criticism Literary Theory: Origin, Theorists, Works and Arguments

Origin:

• Emergence in the late 20th century as a response to environmental concerns.
• Gained prominence in academic circles during the 1990s.
• Rooted in the broader environmental movement and environmentalist thought.

Theorists:

• Rachel Carson: Her work, Silent Spring (1962), laid the foundation for eco-criticism by highlighting the impact of pesticides on the environment.
• Lawrence Buell: Known for his book The Environmental Imagination (1995), which helped establish eco-criticism as a critical field.
• Cheryll Glotfelty: Coined the term “ecocriticism” and edited the influential book “The Ecocriticism Reader” (1996).
• Timothy Morton: Known for his work on “dark ecology” and exploring the implications of the Anthropocene era.
• Donna Haraway: Her work on “cyborg ecology” and “nature-culture” connections has influenced eco-criticism.

Works:

• The Ecocriticism Reader (1996): Edited by Cheryll Glotfelty, this anthology introduced key eco-critical essays and concepts.
• Ecocriticism: The Essential Reader (2015): Edited by Ken Hiltner, it provides a comprehensive overview of eco-critical theory.
• The Country and the City (1973): Raymond Williams’ exploration of rural and urban spaces laid groundwork for eco-critical spatial analysis.
• Ecology without Nature (2007): Timothy Morton’s book challenges conventional ideas of nature in ecological thinking.
• The Sixth Extinction (2014): Elizabeth Kolbert’s work discusses the current mass extinction event and its literary implications.

Arguments:

• Nature-Culture Divide: Eco-critics critique the traditional separation of nature and culture in literature, arguing for their interconnectedness.
• Anthropocentrism: Examines how literature often places humans at the center of narratives, leading to the exploitation of nature.
• Environmental Justice: Explores how literature can address environmental inequalities and advocate for marginalized communities.
• Posthumanism: Discusses the blurring of boundaries between humans and non-human entities in literature and its implications.
• Climate Change Narratives: Analyzes how literature responds to climate change, offering narratives of crisis, adaptation, and resilience.
• Bioregionalism: Advocates for a deeper connection to specific geographic regions in literature to promote ecological awareness.

Principles of Eco-Criticism Literary Theory

Principal	Explanation
Environmentalism	Ecocriticism Literary Theoryis grounded in a commitment to environmentalism, which involves a concern for the natural world and the need to address environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction through the lens of literary analysis.
Interdisciplinarity	Ecocriticism Literary Theory is an interdisciplinary approach that draws on insights from fields such as ecology, geography, and environmental science to understand the relationship between literature and the physical environment more comprehensively.
Place-based Analysis	Ecocriticism Literary Theoryemphasizes the importance of place-based analysis in literature, examining how the physical environment shapes human experiences and cultural practices, highlighting the profound influence of place and location in literary narratives.
Ecological Consciousness	Ecocriticism Literary Theoryseeks to develop an ecological consciousness that recognizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of biodiversity and sustainability. It encourages a holistic view of the world that values ecological integrity.
Nature Writing	Ecocriticism Literary Theory values and examines nature writing as a genre that represents the natural world and promotes environmental awareness and conservation. It explores the role of nature writing in conveying messages about the environment and its preservation.
Environmental Justice	Ecocriticism Literary Theory is concerned with issues of environmental justice, which involve the unequal distribution of environmental harms and benefits. It underscores the need for social and political action to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to a healthy environment.

Suggested Readings

1. Buell, Lawrence. The Environmental Imagination: Thoreau, Nature Writing, and the Formation of American Culture. Harvard UP, 1995.
2. Glotfelty, Cheryll, and Harold Fromm, editors. The Ecocriticism Reader: Landmarks in Literary Ecology. University of Georgia Press, 1996.
3. Hiltner, Ken, editor. Ecocriticism: The Essential Reader. Routledge, 2015.
4. Kolbert, Elizabeth. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. Picador, 2014.
5. Morton, Timothy. Ecology without Nature: Rethinking Environmental Aesthetics. Harvard UP, 2007.
6. Williams, Raymond. The Country and the City. Oxford UP, 1973.