An Ecocriticism Survey Of Shen Congwen's Works

Shen Congwen's works demonstrate an ecological complexity when approached with ecocriticism. The present thesis adopts close reading and ecocriticism to analyze the evolution of Shen's eco-consciousness and, through comparative study, his unique ecological view. In this way, the thesis aims to further our understanding of Shen's literary treatment of and his thinking about ecological problems, to explore the significance Shen's works could provide for ecocriticism and literary production. Meanwhile, the thesis also intends to broaden our aesthetic and critical view, to reflect upon dualistic essence in the multiculturalism of present ecocriticism and to rationalize the aesthetic connotation of ecocriticism.The preface gives a theoretical definition of ecocriticism and the reason for the choice of this subject. The main part consists of three chapters. The first chapter discusses the representation of ecology in Shen's works. According to how he focuses on ecological issues and his thought, Shen's literary career can be divided into several phases, from the evaluation of ecological environment, the articulation of anxiety, the establishment of ecological belief till the arrival at a harmonious ecological view. The second chapter deals with, in a comparative perspective, Shen's unique yet complex ecological concept. By comparing Shen's works with those traditional Chinese literary works of distinctive local color (as represented by Tao Yuanming), their modern counterpart as well as the essays by American ecological writing pioneer Thoreau, this chapter explores Shen's eco-consciousness as involved with other thought so as to highlight the uniqueness and complexity of Shen's ecological concept. The third chapter stresses the significance of Shen's works for ecological study by pointing out his affirmation and reflection of ecological view, his literary representation of ecological ethics and the way he enriches ecological writing and the ecological dimension of modern literature. The conclusion part summarizes the significance of studying Shen's works with an ecocriticism survey.Shen's excellent articulation of his view about ecology has provided great resources and good examples for ecological literature and ecocriticism. His works demonstrate a tendency of "decentralization" due to their attention on the overall interest of ecology. His affirmation of nature and other marginal ecological powers embodies a precious sense of responsibility for ecology as well as a conscious cultural critique, which encourages us to think about the ecological relations from the standpoint of love, beauty and truth, and to contemplate human's inner demand for harmonious ecological status. In this sense, Shen's works give rise to the ecological consciousness and modern Chinese ecological literature while greatly enrich the modern Chinese cultural ecology. In view of the present ecological crises in such fields as nature, society, spirit and culture, to explore the rich mine of Shen's ecological literary works and their ecological significance will bring much-needed remedy.