An Ecofeminist Perspective On My Antonia

Myántonia is one of Willa Cather's representative works. Up till now, the novel has aroused lots of attention from scholars and critics, who have studied it from various perspectives, such as Marxist criticism, feminist criticism, cultural criticism and ecological criticism and so on. Recent years have witnessed the development of ecofeminism and scholars also apply this theory to literary criticism. As present ecofeminist studies on Myántonia are scarce and not systematic, this thesis, based on preceding researches, intends to provide a systematic ecofeminist study on Myántonia, aiming at offering a new angle to interpret the novel and exploring the realistic meanings of the novel.Ecofeminism is a synthesis of feminism and ecological movement, based on the belief that there are important connections between the twin dominations of women and nature. Ecofeminists think that male-centered ideology puts women and nature in an opposite and degraded position, and is used to justify men's subordination of women and nature. In other words, the source of oppression originates from patriarchy. Thus, the ultimate goal of ecofeminism is to overthrow it and build a new world where men, women and nature live in harmony.This thesis follows the line of the status quo of women and nature in patriarchal world—the overthrow of patriarchy—the rebuilding of a harmonious world, with particular emphasis on ecofeminist deconstruction and reconstruction.At first, this research explores the connection and status quo of women and nature in the patriarchal world. Through textual analysis, this study shows that both women and nature are subjugated in the patriarchal world: women play the roles of virtuous housewives and mothers and become sexual objects; while nature is exploited in a society with male-centered ideology. All these lay the foundation of their union to fight against patriarchy.Then this thesis studies the overturn of patriarchy. The immigrant girls, withántonia, Lena and Tiny as representatives, challenge androcentrism through becoming domestic pillars and pursuing independence. Meanwhile, Jim andántonia feel the sense of loss in cities which represent civilization and culture while live happily on the prairie which stands for nature. This contrast shows that human beings are inseparable from nature and more important, it is undesirable for the patriarchal society to put civilization and nature in a confronting position.At last, this thesis probes into the new world built by human beings and nature. In this world, men and women live harmoniously:ántonia no longer submits to and depends on her husband blindly, but develops a relationship with him based on equality and cooperation; and her friendship with Jim is upgraded by eliminating Jim's patriarchal prejudices against women. Besides, mankind and nature live interdependently:ántonia's family care and respect nature; in return, nature gives them generous reward, making them prosperous.