An Ecological Interpretation Of Wake Robin And Winter Sunshine

John Burroughs (1837～1921) was the famous ecological writer in the19th century. His early representative works Wake Robin shows us a vivid picture of the forest and activities of various birds. Winter Sunshine is his traveling notes in England. He records the mild climate and numerous birds in England in Winter Sunshine. Burroughs advocates walking into nature to feel its pulse and getting along well with nature.From the perspective of ecocriticism, this thesis examines the intrinsic value in the ecosystem according to Holmes Rolston’s ecological holism. In light of intrinsic value, humans should respect nature and change the anthropocentric attitude towards the ecosystem. Moreover, this thesis emphasizes the appreciation of ecological beauty in Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine. Finally, both Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine embody the implications that humans should live a simple life and establish a harmonious relationship with nature.This thesis consists of seven parts. The introduction touches upon John Burroughs’s life and literary achievements, especially Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine. It also reviews foreign and domestic researches on John Burroughs’ two works to present the significance of my thesis.Chapter One mainly examines the origin and development of ecocriticism. The starting points that people view the whole ecosystem should be non-anthropocentric, which means denying the idea of human-centered attitude. In other words, it is to see the ecosystem as a unified and holistic system.Chapter Two mainly analyzes Burroughs’s defense of the rights of nature in Wake Robin, and it specifically analyzes the intrinsic value of various creatures which are described by Burroughs. Humans should change the views of nature so as to realize the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.Chapter Three highlights the value of ecological aesthetics in Winter Sunshine and Wake Robin. There are three principles in theory of ecological aesthetics:the principle of nature, the principle of organic wholeness and the principle of interaction and integrity. Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine have delivered us a vivid nature. Everything in nature has its value and beauty.Chapter Four examines the implications which humans have learned from nature. Burroughs appeals us to integrate with nature and return to nature in Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine. The ecological lifestyle Burroughs advocates echoes the idea of ecological awareness, which presents respect and protection to nature.Chapter Five briefly analyzes the presentations contrary to ecological aspects of Burroughs’s writings. In addition, Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine embody perspectives of the contrary to ecological ideas which are limited by time.The last part is a summary of previous chapters, and it finally draws the conclusion:although there are limitations of Burroughs’s essays, his Wake Robin and Winter Sunshine still have ecological concepts. Burroughs does not fight against humans’ rational civilizations, meanwhile, he advocates showing awe to nature, and he appeals for appreciating nature in light of ecological aesthetics. The relationship between humans and nature should be harmonious. Ecological outlook is a relatively new philosophical system and people should have introspection to change the stereotype. If humans can see nature from a totally different angle, the relationship between humans and nature will present a new prospect.