| This study argues that the most effective ecofeminist novels integrate ecofeminist theory with bioregionalist theory. Because the technological world views nature as a resource that can be exploited, it threatens the fragile ecosystem. While the many ecological and feminist movements agree that in order to save the planet society needs to be restructured, they do not agree how to effect such a change. However, many ecofeminists recognize the promise of bioregionalism because of its emphasis on the local: bioregionalism reinforces the importance of adapting to the place in order to heal the place. Bringing to the bioregionalist movement a unique feminine perspective, ecofeminism recognizes the correlation between the oppression of women and the oppression of the natural world. Likewise, ecofeminists believe that they must counter all forms of oppression, not just the oppression of the natural world, if they hope to heal the world and return voice to the “other,” including both nonhuman nature and any people who have been suppressed by the dominant culture. In order for bioregionalism and ecofeminism to achieve their goal of healing the earth and restoring voice to the marginalized other, they must change public perception. The many theory based articles on this subject reach only a very small segment of society. In order to inform a larger audience, these groups need a more effective way to communicate their message. By combining narratives with ecofeminist and bioregionalist theory, authors can use storytelling to show how to heal the world. More specifically, Linda Hogan's Mean Spirit, Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony, Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Dreams, and Starhawk's Fifth Sacred Thing use storytelling to help their readers to either reaffirm or remember their connections to the earth. Ultimately through connection, adaptation and care taking, voice is restored to the “other.” Their narratives, then, are vehicles of change. By remembering and revising our cultural myths, the novels show that hierarchies are mere illusion that help perpetuate destruction. As such, the novels represent a literary movement that centers on our responsibility to develop a new world view that values respect and reciprocation within the natural and social environments. |
