Publisher's Synopsis
The word Ecocriticism can be defined in many ways, but the most well-known definition was given by Cheryll Glotfelty. She proposed in The Ecocriticism Reader: "the study of the relation between literature and the physical environment" (2). The motivation behind working on Ecocriticism as the field of research is the lack of awareness about the dearth of natural resources and ecological degradation on the whole. The researcher feels this as her duty to contribute in this regard and help make a difference. Such a cause can be rendered to by spreading awareness and bringing out a general awakening of conscience. Through her research, the researcher intends to show the importance of nature in our lives, nature as a guiding tool, nature as omnipresent, nature as provider and nature as saviour. By highlighting the different roles nature plays in our lives, the researcher wishes to channelize a new way with which we view nature and its processes. She wants to show the inextricable nature of this relationship which often goes unnoticed in terms of mere background or setting. It is for this reason that the researcher wants to explore the importance of settings as well. Other reasons for choosing this area were the researcher's interest in Thomas Hardy and his works. Since a lot has already been spoken about Hardy and nature, the researcher has chosen to read his work Tess of the D'Urbervilles from an Ecocritical perspective. Also the primary source gives many opportunities to present this perfect relationship between man and his environment. Tess' journey through the different phases has a deep influence of nature which works in the background. The varied settings, events, metaphors and allegories trace a profound connection with nature. Nature walks along with Tess like her shadow and is the only companion who doesn't abandon her despite the circumstances and unlike other human relationships. A thorough study of these shall further reveal how ecology has a deeper role to play in our lives.
