The Pursuit Of Self In Nature: An Ecofeminist Study Of Willa Cather's O Pioneers!

The Pursuit of Self in Nature: An Ecofeminist Study of Willa Cather's O Pioneers!Willa Cather is known for her depiction of the frontier life in Nebraska. O Pioneers! is her first mature novel as well as the cornerstone of her literary fame. In O Pioneers! Cather creates a constellation of female pioneers and eulogizes the mythical wilderness of the frontier.Up to now, criticism focuses mainly on Cather's depiction of the frontier and the feminist/lesbian traits in her writing. The connection between nature and women in her works has not drawn sufficient attention from critics. In light of the ecofeminist criticism, this thesis aims at exploring the relationship between the female pioneers' quest for self identity and their identification with nature.As the union of feminism and ecocriticism, ecofeminism brings together the insights of both fields and attempts to highlight the dual oppression of women and nature in a patriarchal society. Based on such understanding, ecofeminist criticism analyzes the connection between nature and women in literary works and advocates a feminist writing of nature.This thesis attempts to study Willa Cather's O Pioneers! in light of the ecofeminist criticism. It argues that Cather's work shows clear ecofeminist consciousness by identifying women's quest for self identity with their understanding of nature.The body of the thesis consists of three chapters. Chapter One focuses on the obedient females of the first generation, exemplified by Mrs. Bergson, who submits to the male dominance and sticks to her role as housewife. Meanwhile, the first generation fails to see their connection with nature due to the bound of their domestic role.Chapter Two examines the transformation of Alexandra Bergson, the heroine of the novel. She appears as a masculine figure and attempts to conquer the wild land like male pioneers. However, she comes to realize the connection between women and nature in terms of their fertility and life cycle. Finally she embraces her female identity and learns to maintain sustainable development. Chapter Three concentrates on the new generation's thirst for gender equality and their affiliation with nature as exemplified by Marie Shabata and Signa. Both Marie and Singa are unsatisfied with their marriages and strive to gain independence. Marie's love affair and tragic death lead both Signa and Alexandra to reflect on women's position in a patriarchal society and the relationship between women and nature.With a comprehensive study of the female pioneers, this thesis concludes that Willa Cather shows clear ecofeminist consciousness by connecting women with nature. Through gradually identification with nature, the heroines break away from the binding masculine ideology to pursue their independence as females.