An Ecological Interpretation Of McEwan’s Short Story Collection First Love,Last Rites

Ian McEwan is one of the most influential contemporary writers in Britain.He has received the recognition of literary critics since the publication of his first collection of short stories,First Love,Last Rites,which won the Somerset Maugham Award in 1976.Ushering in several of McEwan’s major themes,this book has left a lasting imprint on his later works,and it has also attracted the attention from critics and reviewers.However,relatively little has been said in relation to the ecological dimension.Based on Lu Shuyuan’s theory of ecocriticism,four short stories in this book,Solid Geometry,Homemade,Butterflies and First love,Last Rites,together with McEwan’s experiences of life,are examined comprehensively to identify the natural ecology,social ecology and spiritual ecology presented.This thesis aims at providing a new perspective to the studies on McEwan and his works,and raising general awareness of environmental protection.There are five chapters.Chapter One consists of a brief introduction of McEwan and his works,an overview of ecocriticism,and an account of the significance of this thesis.Chapter Two analyzes McEwan’s view on natural ecology.With the portrayal of the wasteland in the cities,McEwan not only criticizes the confrontation between man and nature,but also expresses his desire for a harmonious relationship.Chapter Three focuses on the imbalanced social ecology resulting from the deteriorative natural environment.Mc Ewan mirrors the chaotic and turmoiled state of the modern world in his designing of the extraordinary shocking events.McEwan’s concern over the spiritual crisis is discussed in Chapter Four.He cautiously depicts the distorted human spirit and the consequent alienated relationships.Chapter Five summarizes McEwan’s ecological consciousness and its meaning to the modern world,and then restates the significance of the study.