Ecological Features and Nature Symbolism In Three of Thomas Hardy's Novels

Abstract

This research is an attempt to study the ecological features and nature symbolism in three of Thomas Hardy's most accomplished novels: Under the Greenwood Tree, The Woodlanders and Tess of the D'Urbervilles; which are called by literary critics Novels of Characters and Environment. The study investigates the issue of environmentalism viewed by the conventional critical literary schools compared to the new vision formed by the school of Ecocriticism as a modern critical approach . It Studies Hardy's major themes in the novels mentioned above, with especial emphasis on the causes and effects that derive modern lifestyle to fail to find possible solutions for the current environmental crises. The importance of this study emerges from the fact that setting of global laws to restrict the continuous violation of environment are proved to be of very limited effect; as it has been said that “Laws are made to be broken”. Fortunately, literature can provide the world with new perspectives, which may rekindle our deeper feelings about the powerful bonds we have with the natural world. Ecocriticism, as a new literary school, takes the initiative to clarify the interconnected relationships between nature and culture ; making new cultural bonds between man and environment. The Analytical – Comparative Critical Method has been applied in this research. The recommendations of the study that it stresses the fact that preservation of our planet cannot simply be enhanced through international conferences and setting of global laws. Rather, that can be achieved through love of nature. Nature writings, including fiction, can well tolerate the responsibility of solving current world environmental problems. Ecocriticism in this regard, proposes that people should feel and act, not as members or partners in a particular country, but as members of the planet. Such a notion should inspire humanity to work together to put an end to the shame of environment degradation.