| Ecocriticism sprang up at the end of the20thcentury. It studies the relationship betweenliterature and environment, revealing human beings’ reflection on the civilization. Based onthe Land Ethics proposed by Leopold and Deep Ecology by Naess, ecocriticism has beendivided into three major aspects, namely, natural ecocriticism, social ecocriticism as well asspiritual ecocriticism. On the basis of textual analysis, this thesis aims to make acomprehensive study of the ecological awareness in Lawrence’s short stories by applying theecocriticism from the three aspects. It is hoped that this thesis can shed some light onLawrence’s short stories and his ecological thoughts.In essence, Lawrence’s ecological consciousness is profound life awareness, serving asthe foundation of his beliefs. The worship of nature, the denial of alienation, the acceptance ofdeath and the rejection of the rationality in the short works are considered his concern for lifefrom different perspectives. This thesis has come to the following conclusions:Lawrence’s short works embody his ecological ideas in a more comprehensive way. Inthe selected short stories, the natural creatures are personified as leading characters, playingkey roles in illustrating Lawrence’s care for nature from the perspective of naturalecocriticism.The short stories reveal the interpersonal relations from multiple aspects. The relationsbetween man and woman, between siblings, and that between generations are presented in theshort works. They can help to enrich Lawrence’s ecological consciousness from theperspective of social ecocriticism and provoke readers’ curiosity and reflection.To deal with the spiritual imbalance and regain vigor, it is implied that besides returningto nature, running away from the dull life and resorting to violence are effective ways as well.This thesis also points out that Lawrence’s expectation to return to primitive society is aUtopian idea since the civilization has immersed into every inch of modern society. |
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