An Interpretation Of The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall From The Perspective Of Eco-feminism

Anne Bronte is one of the most outstanding English novelists and poets in the 19 th century. In her short life, Anne only published several works, including some poems and two novels, but with profound influence. Her novels Agnes Gray(1847) and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall(1848) are both based on Anne’s own experiences full of strong color of autobiography. Since The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was published, it has attracted critics’ attention and has been called “the first declaration of Women’s Liberation Movement” in the history of literature. In 1985, it was listed into The World Classical Literature Classics which fully conveyed the importance of this novel, and reaffirmed the value of Anne Bronte in the literature.From the perspective of eco-feminism, this thesis interprets The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and endeavors to analyze the eco-feminist consciousness embodied in the novel. What’s more, it attempts to show the comprehension and reflection on the relationships among nature, women and men, in order to call on human beings to establish a society, in which gender equality and ecological harmony are realized. The Introduction mainly introduces the life experience of Anne Bronte and the plot of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall as well as the general research at home and abroad. Chapter One is the theoretical basis giving brief information of the definition, development and the main characteristics of eco-feminism. Chapter Two mainly analyzes men’s oppression on nature and women, which means the similarly subordinate and oppressed status in the patriarchal society, with the expression in three aspects, including Huntingdon’s oppression on nature and women as well as the close relationship between nature and women. Chapter Three expounds the rebellious voices against the pressure of the patriarchal cultural concept, including Helen’s physical, economical, spiritual resistance to men and nature’s punishment on men, in order to demonstrate women and nature’s fight for their rights. Chapter Four explores how the final harmonious relationships are achieved among nature, women and men, including the harmonious relationships between Helen and nature as well as Helen’s brave pursuit for love so as to fully express the essence of eco-feminism.The Conclusion part gives the overall summary of the essay by interpreting the novel from the theory of eco-feminist criticism. It is meant to help readers fully comprehend the novel and to broaden the views of the research on The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Therefore, it arouses readers’ concern on the ecological issues and advocates the harmonious relationship between human and nature.