Ecopoetics in Literature & Literary Theory

Ecopoetics: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Etymology: The term “ecopoetics” combines two key components: “eco-“ derived from ecology, which concerns the relationships between organisms and their environments, and “poetics,” referring to the study of the expressive and rhythmic qualities of language, often associated with poetry. Together, ecopoetics signifies an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of ecological and poetic principles.

Meanings and Concepts

Concept	Description
Environmental Aesthetics	The exploration of the aesthetic dimensions of the natural world and environmental issues.
Interconnectedness	Emphasizes the intricate connections between human and non-human elements in the ecosystem.
Language and Landscape	Examines how language and artistic expression engage with and represent natural landscapes.
Activism through Art	Utilizes artistic expression, especially poetry, as a means of advocating for environmental awareness and action.
Biodiversity	Celebrates and highlights the diverse life forms within ecosystems through poetic expression.
Sustainable Language	Advocates for the use of language that promotes ecological sustainability and awareness.
Sense of Place	Explores the emotional and cultural connections between individuals and their natural surroundings.
Deep Ecology Influence	Draws inspiration from deep ecology, emphasizing the intrinsic value of all living entities and ecosystems.
Environmental Justice	Examines the role of poetry and art in addressing social and environmental inequalities.
Ecocritical Exploration	Integrates ecocritical theory, considering the environmental implications of literary and cultural works.

Ecopoetics, as a term and field, encapsulates a range of ideas that bridge ecological concerns and poetic expression, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationships between humans and the environment.

Ecopoetics: Definition as a Theoretical Term

Ecopoetics, as a theoretical term, encapsulates an interdisciplinary approach that explores the intersection of ecological principles and poetic expression. It delves into the ways in which language and artistic forms engage with the natural world, seeking to articulate and evoke an enhanced environmental consciousness. Rooted in both ecological and literary theories, ecopoetics examines the dynamic interplay between human and non-human elements, fostering a nuanced understanding of environmental issues through the lens of creative and aesthetic discourse.

Ecopoetics: Theorists, Works and Arguments

“Ecopoetics” refers to a field of literary and cultural studies that explores the intersections between ecology and poetry. It investigates how poetry engages with and represents the natural world, as well as how it contributes to environmental awareness and activism. Here are some key theorists, works, and arguments associated with ecopoetics:

Theorists:

1. Jonathan Bate:
   • Work: “The Song of the Earth” (2000)
   • Argument: Bate explores the relationship between literature and nature, arguing for a more ecologically aware approach to literary criticism.
2. Terry Gifford:
   • Work: “Pastoral” (1999)
   • Argument: Gifford examines the pastoral tradition in literature and its relevance to contemporary environmental concerns.
3. Lawrence Buell:
   • Work: “The Environmental Imagination” (1995)
   • Argument: Buell discusses the ways in which literature contributes to our understanding of the environment and shapes our environmental consciousness.
4. Dana Phillips:
   • Work: “The Truth of Ecology” (2003)
   • Argument: Phillips challenges the assumptions and limitations of traditional ecocriticism, advocating for a more complex and nuanced understanding of literature and the environment.

Works:

1. Gary Snyder:
   • Poetry Collection: “Turtle Island” (1974)
   • Argument: Snyder’s poetry often reflects his deep ecological consciousness, drawing on Eastern philosophy and Native American traditions.
2. Mary Oliver:
   • Poetry Collection: “American Primitive” (1983)
   • Argument: Oliver’s poetry frequently explores the beauty of the natural world and the connections between humans and nature.
3. Wendell Berry:
   • Poetry Collection: “The Collected Poems of Wendell Berry, 1957-1982” (1985)
   • Argument: Berry’s poetry emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture and a harmonious relationship with the land.

Arguments:

1. Place and Bioregionalism:
   • Ecopoetics often focuses on the specificities of place and emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating local ecosystems.
2. Deep Ecology:
   • Some ecopoetic arguments align with deep ecology principles, advocating for a profound shift in human consciousness and values to promote ecological sustainability.
3. Anthropocentrism Critique:
   • Many ecopoetic works and arguments critique anthropocentrism, challenging the human-centered perspective and advocating for a more ecocentric worldview.
4. Language and Representation:
   • Ecopoetics explores how language shapes our understanding of the environment and considers how poetry can contribute to more sustainable and ethical relationships with nature.
5. Activism and Awareness:
   • Some ecopoetic arguments suggest that literature, particularly poetry, can play a crucial role in raising environmental awareness and inspiring ecological activism.

Keep in mind that ecopoetics is a diverse and evolving field, and different scholars and poets may approach it from various perspectives. The above list provides a starting point for exploring key figures and ideas in ecopoetics.

Ecopoetics: Key Characteristics

Characteristic	Explanation	Examples from Literature
Engagement with Nature	Emphasizes a deep and meaningful engagement with the natural world, often reflecting a sense of interconnectedness.	Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese,” Gary Snyder’s “Riprap”
Bioregionalism	Focuses on the specificity of local ecosystems and the importance of understanding and valuing one’s bioregion.	Wendell Berry’s Port William novels, Terry Tempest Williams’ “Refuge”
Critique of Anthropocentrism	Challenges a human-centered perspective and advocates for a more ecocentric worldview.	Robinson Jeffers’ “Carmel Point,” Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Duino Elegies”
Language and Representation	Explores how language shapes our understanding of the environment and considers the role of poetry in conveying ecological complexities.	Joy Harjo’s “An American Sunrise,” Craig Santos Perez’s “from unincorporated territory [hacha]”
Place Consciousness	Highlights a heightened awareness of the significance of place, contributing to a sense of rootedness and belonging.	Leslie Marmon Silko’s “Ceremony,” Robert Macfarlane’s “The Old Ways”
Sustainability and Ethics	Advocates for sustainable practices and ethical relationships with nature, addressing environmental issues and concerns.	Gary Snyder’s “The Practice of the Wild,” Alice Oswald’s “Dart”
Deep Ecology Influence	Aligns with deep ecology principles, calling for a profound shift in human consciousness and values to support ecological sustainability.	Arne Naess’s deep ecology philosophy, John Seed’s “Thinking Like a Mountain”
Activism and Awareness	Recognizes the role of literature, particularly poetry, in raising environmental awareness and inspiring ecological activism.	Derek Walcott’s “The Sea is History,” Marge Piercy’s “What Are Big Girls Made Of?”

Ecopoetics: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Ecocriticism:
   • Relevance: Ecocriticism examines the representation of nature and the environment in literature. Ecopoetics, being a subset of ecocriticism, specifically focuses on the poetic aspects of this representation.
   • Connection: Both ecocriticism and ecopoetics share an interest in how literature engages with and reflects ecological issues, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
2. Postcolonialism:
   • Relevance: Postcolonial literary theories often address issues of land, dispossession, and the impact of colonization on the environment. Ecopoetics extends this discussion into the realm of poetry.
   • Connection: Ecopoetics can explore how poetry grapples with the environmental consequences of colonialism, including issues of land exploitation and cultural dislocation.
3. Feminist Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Feminist theory in literature often considers the gendered aspects of environmental issues and eco-activism. Ecopoetics within feminist discourse explores how poetry contributes to the ecofeminist perspective.
   • Connection: Ecopoetics may examine how poetry reflects women’s connections to the environment, the impact of environmental degradation on women, and the role of women in environmental activism.
4. Marxist Literary Criticism:
   • Relevance: Marxist literary theory examines the socio-economic aspects of literature. In ecopoetics, there is a potential exploration of how poetry addresses issues of environmental justice, resource exploitation, and capitalism’s impact on nature.
   • Connection: Ecopoetics may engage with Marxist ideas by critiquing the commodification of nature and exploring how poetry can contribute to environmental activism with a focus on social equity.
5. Deconstruction:
   • Relevance: Deconstruction questions binary oppositions and challenges fixed meanings. In ecopoetics, this could involve questioning the human/nature divide and exploring fluid, interconnected relationships in poetry.
   • Connection: Ecopoetics may engage with deconstructive principles by destabilizing traditional distinctions between the human and the non-human, challenging anthropocentrism in literary representations.
6. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Psychoanalytic theories in literature often delve into the psychological dimensions of human-nature relationships. Ecopoetics may explore how poetry reflects and influences our unconscious attitudes toward the environment.
   • Connection: Ecopoetics may investigate the emotional and psychological impact of environmental issues, using poetry to uncover and address collective and individual ecological anxieties.
7. Queer Theory:
   • Relevance: Queer theory in literature challenges normative constructs and explores non-normative identities. Ecopoetics can engage with queer perspectives on the environment and nature.
   • Connection: Ecopoetics may explore how poetry reflects diverse relationships with the natural world, considering queer ecologies and the intersections of LGBTQ+ identities with environmental concerns.

Ecopoetics, therefore, provides a lens through which various literary theories can be applied and expanded to encompass ecological dimensions in the analysis of poetry and literary works.

Ecopoetics: Application Critiques

Work	Application of Ecopoetics	Potential Critiques
“An American Sunrise” by Joy Harjo	– Reflects a deep engagement with nature and Native American landscapes.	– Oversimplification: Ecopoetics may oversimplify complex socio-political issues embedded in Harjo’s work.
	– Cultural and environmental intertwining, emphasizing interconnectedness.	– Lack of Comprehensive Analysis: A more comprehensive analysis could integrate ecojustice perspectives.
“The Overstory” by Richard Powers	– Explores the interconnected lives of trees and humans, emphasizing environmental stewardship.	– Complexity Critique: The intricate structure and vast character array might dilute the potency of the environmental message.
	– Language and narrative structure convey ecological consciousness.	– Accessibility Concerns: Some readers might find the narrative challenging to navigate, hindering the accessibility of eco-themes.
“Refuge” by Terry Tempest Williams	– Intertwines personal narrative with the natural history of a bird refuge.	– Romanticization Critique: Ecopoetics might be critiqued for potentially romanticizing or aestheticizing environmental suffering.
	– Emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between human and non-human entities.	– Focus on Personal Experience: Critics might argue that the focus on personal experience could overshadow systemic environmental issues.
“The Water Will Come” by Jeff Goodell	– Investigates the impact of rising sea levels with an emphasis on urgency.	– Aesthetic Engagement: Critics might argue that ecopoetics might overlook the objective and scientific aspects of Goodell’s work.
	– Crafts emotional and aesthetic engagement with the threat of climate change.	– Scientific Inquiry Balance: Ecopoetics may not fully address the investigative journalism and scientific data presented in the book.

Ecopoetics: Related Terms

Term	Definition
Ecocriticism	The study of the relationship between literature and the environment.
Bioregionalism	Philosophy emphasizing understanding and valuing local ecosystems and communities.
Deep Ecology	Perspective emphasizing interconnectedness with all living beings and intrinsic value of nature.
Anthropocene	Geological epoch marked by significant human impact on Earth’s geology and ecosystems.
Ecofeminism	Theoretical framework exploring intersections between gender, ecology, and environmentalism.
Place Consciousness	Heightened awareness and appreciation for the unique characteristics of a specific geographic location.
Environmental Justice	Pursuit of fair treatment and involvement in environmental decision-making for all, regardless of demographics.
Sustainable Literature	Literary focus on themes related to ecological sustainability and environmental conservation.
Green Poets	Poets focusing on nature, ecology, and environmentalism in their work.
Environmental Ethics	Branch of philosophy examining moral principles governing human interactions with the environment.

Ecopoetics: Suggested Readings

1. Bate, Jonathan. The Song of the Earth. Harvard University Press, 2000.
2. Gifford, Terry. Pastoral. Routledge, 1999.
3. Buell, Lawrence. The Environmental Imagination. Harvard University Press, 1995.
4. Phillips, Dana. The Truth of Ecology. Oxford University Press, 2003.
5. Snyder, Gary. Turtle Island. New Directions, 1974.
6. Oliver, Mary. American Primitive. Little, Brown and Company, 1983.
7. Berry, Wendell. The Collected Poems of Wendell Berry, 1957-1982. Counterpoint, 1985.
8. Harjo, Joy. An American Sunrise. W. W. Norton & Company, 2019.
9. Powers, Richard. The Overstory. W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.
10. Williams, Terry Tempest. Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place. Vintage Books, 1991.
11. Goodell, Jeff. The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World. Little, Brown and Company, 2017.
12. Jeffers, Robinson. “Carmel Point.” The Selected Poetry of Robinson Jeffers. Vintage, 2001, pp. 155-156.
13. Rilke, Rainer Maria. Duino Elegies. Translated by Stephen Mitchell, Vintage International, 1989.
14. Walcott, Derek. “The Sea is History.” Collected Poems, 1948-1984. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1986, pp. 95-97.
15. Piercy, Marge. “What Are Big Girls Made Of?” Colors Passing Through Us. Alfred A. Knopf, 2003, pp. 23-25.