Ecofeminism In Southern Literature

Southern literature encompasses numerous themes, one of which is the ideology of ecofeminism. Ecofeminism itself is “the intersection between feminism and ecology”(Bennet 63), this ideology focuses on two principal concepts; one, that all things are interconnected, and a belief in a “society based on cooperation and balance rather than dominance and hierarchy” (Bennet 64). Prominent themes of ecofeminism, especially regarding southern literature, include racial segregation and male dominance, which ties into men’s exploitation of women. In examples of southern literature we see these recurring themes; racial segregation is portrayed in William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily, Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat”, and Flannery O’Conner’s “Good Country People”, male dominance is found in both “Sweat” and “Good Country People” as well. Ecofeminists use literature as a “natural medium”(Bennet 65) for disseminating their thoughts and ideas, in order to influence their readers. This philosophy touches on countless diverse subjects, from women’s rights to environmentalism. A major concept behind this philosophy is a proposition …show more content…
Ecofeminism, in itself, is a widely encompassing ideology, focusing on issues faced around the world. Literature is used as a medium for the dissemination of these issues, bringing attention to them and offering solutions. In the writing examples we see ecofeminism in several ways, these stories bring these issues to the light, dramatizing them in a way that is comprehendible to the reader, and offering solutions. “Ecofeminist stories defy the traditional story”(Bennett 68), by challenging the longstanding beliefs of the reader, by questioning and deconstructing the hierarchical power structure, and finally, suggesting new means of thinking and acting in order to create a better