Ecocriticism (Literary Term)

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Ecocriticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the natural environment. It looks at how nature, the environment, and ecological concerns are represented in literary works. The term comes from the Greek word oikos (meaning home) and kritikos (meaning judge or interpreter). Ecocriticism is sometimes also called green criticism or environmental criticism.

This approach began to grow in the late twentieth century as people became more aware of environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. Ecocritics believe that literature can shape how humans think about nature and the environment, and it can encourage people to live more responsibly with the earth.

Key Features

  • It studies how writers describe landscapes, animals, and natural settings.
  • It asks how literature reflects human attitudes toward nature.
  • It focuses on ecological problems and environmental ethics.
  • It often criticizes human-centered (anthropocentric) thinking and supports nature-centered (ecocentric) views.

Examples in Literature

  • William Wordsworth’s poems like "Tintern Abbey" celebrate the beauty and spiritual power of nature.
  • Henry David Thoreau’s "Walden" reflects on living simply and in harmony with the natural world.
  • Rachel Carson’s "Silent Spring" is not only science writing but also literary in style, inspiring ecological awareness.
  • Modern ecocritical readings also study works like Margaret Atwood’s "The Year of the Flood", which deals with environmental disaster.

Importance in Literature

Ecocriticism is important because it:

  • Connects literature with urgent environmental issues.
  • Challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the natural world.
  • Encourages respect for nature and sustainable living.
  • Expands literary studies beyond human-centered concerns to include the non-human world.


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