An ecofeminist perspective: Ecology and feminism in the works of Reinig, Maron, Morgner, and Wolf (Irmtraud Morgner, Christa Reinig, Monika Maron, Christa Wolf).

摘要

Ecocriticism is a growing area of research for scholars in the humanities. Ecofeminism is a branch of ecocriticism that combines feminism and ecology into a single philosophy. “Green” themes and especially ecofeminist themes in German literature have received little attention. This is surprising considering how important the “Green” movement is within Germany and how many of its leading representatives are women. Exploring ecoferninist theory on a broader global level allows me to place German ecofeminism in the larger picture of ecofeminism. Incorporating ecofeminist theory by scholars such as Carolyn Merchant, Maria Mies, Karen J. Warren, Patrick Murphy, Ynestra King, Janis Birkeland, and Lori Gruen provides a solid theoretical framework.; The consensus among ecofeminists is that the patriarchy oppresses both nature and women. Neither nature nor women have a voice in politics or world affairs. Destructive patriarchal technologies that include industrialism, war, and genetic reproductive engineering threaten the existence of women and nature. Along with other types of feminists, ecofeminists see a need for change and warn against co-optation into the existing power structure that is based on an anthropocentric worldview. Instead, they promote a biocentric worldview. Respect for nature and all life is essential as well as equality, non-violence, community, and cultural diversity.; In the prose of Christa Reinig, Monika Maron, Irmtraud Morgner, and Christa Wolf, ecofeminist themes become apparent when read from the perspective of ecofeminist theory. These authors are explicit in their condemnation of society and its course of environmental destruction that they feel will ultimately lead to the devastation of the planet. The relation of fiction to reality is impressed upon readers by actual news reports on environmental disaster. Although the novels often share a pessimistic outlook, utopian themes reveal a sense of hope, and the changes that the authors put forth conform to ecofeminist thought and reveal alternatives to patriarchal destruction. The authors also criticize the patriarchal behavior that they perceive as resulting from the Enlightenment belief in progress and the development of destructive technology.