A Case Study Of Ecofeminism In The County Of The Pointed Firs

Sarah Orne Jewett is best known for her short stories about provincial life during the late nineteenth century. She is also regarded as a great contributor to the development of local color movement in American literature. Sarah Orne Jewett's most famous novel is The Country of the Pointed Firs. Lately this novel has been studied from various perspectives.The thesis approaches the novel The Country of the Pointed Firs from the eco-feminist perspective. The author Jewett's eco-feminist consciousness is further researched via analyzing the text to show that she constructs a woman Utopia where no form of oppression exists and man and woman, man and nature live peacefully and harmoniously. The thesis consists of:the introduction,three main chapters and conclusion.The introduction briefly surveys the author Sarah Orne Jewett's works in addition to the current studies concerning the novel The Country of the Pointed Firs. The topic of the essay is brought forward, illustrating its significance and innovation. Thus the author's eco-feminism is illustrated.Chapter one approaches the topic of harmony in nature from three aspects: Green Island—the Garden of Eden, women's intimacy with nature as well as Mrs. Todd representing the spirit of nature.Chapter two serves as the main body part of the thesis. Through a comprehensive interpretation of the text, the latent eco-feminist views in The Country of the Pointed Firs get fully revealed from the perspective of the interrelations between man and nature, man and man. Firstly, the pursuit of freedom in nature is explored. Then the healing power of nature is discussed from the perspectives of recognition of nature and women as the protector.Chapter three envisions a woman Utopia where marriage integrates love and independence, the gender boundaries are transcended and a community is created full of love.The conclusion restates the purpose and theme of the present research. Limitations of this study are illustrated followed by pointing out the possible areas for further studies. This thesis aims to explore and estimate the value of Jewett's ecological awareness, which evaluates the relationship between human being and nature and advocates returning to nature.