Exploration Of Ecological Enlightenment In Leaves Of Grass

Whitman, an American writer in the 19 th century, has enjoyed great international renown. Perhaps William Faulkner can match Whitman’s impact on South America, but no U.S. writer, including Faulkner, has had a comparable influence in as many parts of the world. Leaves of Grass has been translated in complete editions in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, China, and Japan, and partial translations have appeared in all major languages but Arabic. Leaves of Grass, ever since its first publication in 1855, has been a puzzling collection of poems. It inspires, it enthralls, and it tantalizes the readers. And yet, the problems it poses are numerous and varied. Whitman so completely identified himself with Leaves that critics have tried to find reflections of Whitman’s own life in all the imagery and symbolism of the poems. Whitman did explore and express many aspects of his personality in Leaves. It was he himself who created the illusion that he and his poems were identical. Through these works, he found full expression as a poet — and as a man. The scholars have studied Leaves of Grass from the angles of democracy, translation, stylistics, feminism, transcendentalism, mysticism and so on, this thesis attempts to inspire modern people in the ecological crisis by exploring the ecological thoughts implied in Leaves of Grass.The thesis is composed of six parts:The introduction brings out Whitman and Leaves of Grass first. Then the author introduces the notion ecocriticism and current study on the poet’s ecological thought. Thus the exploration of ecological enlightenment in Leaves of Grass is feasible and significant.Chapter one presents the beauty of natural elements in Whitman’s poems which show his special love for nature. The nature, with its wisdom, fascinates and inspires us.Chapter two shows us the role of city in the ecological system. The city is regarded as the opposite of nature by traditional writers. To Whitman, it is filled with voices of nature and not only functions as a bridge between man and nature but also helps to construct the self identity of modern people.Chapter three interprets Whitman’s attitude toward human beings and their activities. He sings all the people for their enterprising spirit, equality, freedom and democracy. More important, he advocates moderate exploit to natural resources by mankind as long as it is not harmful to the whole.Chapter four first summarizes the ecological utopia embedded in Leaves of Grass. It emphasizes the inseparability and integrality of all things in universe. To achieve harmony, it is vital to seek balance among all beings in universe.The last part is conclusion. Whitman’s ecological thoughts are comprehensive. By the exploration of ecological thoughts in Leaves of Grass, the thesis anticipates to provide reference to literary writing, enlighten people’s ecological awareness and serve the construction of harmonious society.