Man, Nature And Ecology

The severe ecological crisis has aroused many writers' concern and reflection. Among these writers, the American novelist, Jean Craighead George, has made her great contribution in this field. Most of her life has been centered on writing and nature. Until now, she has written over 100 books and has received more than 20 awards including the Newbery Honor Book. In 1973, her young adult novel, Julie of the Wolves won the prestigious Newbery Medal; it was also a National Book Award Finalist. Regarded by children as one of the most popular Newbery Medal winners, this novel is considered as a modern children's classic. The novel tells a story about a 13-year-old Eskimo girl, who loses her way in the wilderness. Left by her widowed father when she was very young, Miyax, whose English name is Julie, lives with her great-aunt until she turns thirteen. She is then expected to marry an Eskimo boy. Unhappy in her arranged marriage, Miyax runs away in search of a new life. Soon after that, she is aware that she has lost her way in a vast and lifeless wilderness. Luckily Julie survives the tundra with the help of her wolves and the Eskimo's skills taught by her father, after she is gradually adopted by a pack of wolves. Her own experiences help her deeply understand the value of Eskimo culture and further comprehend the implication of nature. Therefore, she resolves to stay and to lead an Eskimo's simple and tranquil life in the calm of nature. The young adult novel, Julie of the Wolves tends to probe into the relationship between nature and human being. This thesis attempts to delve into the ecological thoughts in this novel in terms of eco-criticism. Accordingly, the thesis will be divided into six chapters: chapter one mainly presents a brief introduction about the author's family background and life career; the novel's creative origin and literary position; and a brief interpretation of the novel. At the same time, some brief introduction about eco-criticism is also recommended here. Chapter two intends to explore deeply the associations and coexisting relationship between nature and humankind through the little girl's experience in the wilderness. Chapter three vividly reveals the life, value and right of nature in literary metaphor and thinks highly of the reliance among natural things. Chapter four indicates that "modern civilization" is invading and conquering the wilderness and criticizes the anthropocentric views. Chapter five depicts that Eskimos are rooted in land and make friends with animals. They are greatly enriching their spiritual lives, at the same time, in pursuit of simple and plain living. Chapter six summarizes the argumentation of this dissertation in terms of ecological thoughts contained in the novel. Julie of the Wolves has been interpreted from the aspect of harmony between nature and humans, the value and right of nature, the endangering of nature by human civilization and the wish to return to nature. with the aim to awaken human ecological awareness. We learn from it that we ought to take the ecological responsibility, to respect the values and rights of all forms of life and to greatly enrich our spiritual lives. Only by acting this way, will human being live on healthily, lastingly and poetically in the future.