Perspectives On The Coyote Trickster In Gary Snyder's Works

Gary Snyder(1930-) is a prestigious American eco-poet, environmental activist and Zen practitioner. He is adept in absorbing ancient subcultures, especially mythology to enrich and develop his ecological thought.This thesis mainly explores the traditional image of coyote trickster in Snyder's works and new image of coyote trickster Snyder reshapes in his literary creation. First, coyote trickster is both cultural hero and anti-hero in the Native American culture, which is contained in Snyder's works. Secondly, combining the Native American culture with Zen Buddhism philosophy, Snyder reshapes the image of coyote in his works. He views coyote trickster as a survivor making through ecological crisis, an inhabitant with a sense of place and an enlightening Bodhisattva. In this way, this ancient figure becomes a modern coyote trickster with oriental elements. At last, Snyder slips into his works, acting as a coyote trickster. Rebelling against Western mainstream culture and speaking for non-human beings, Snyder advocates reinhabitation on the land. All of these manifest coyote-like traits in Snyder.Through textual analysis and comparative study, this thesis is aimed to provide a reference to study of Native American elements in Snyder's works, especially the coyote trickster image. At the same time, it also offers a possible solution to modern ecological problems by exploring coyote trickster's life style which is harmonious with nature.