呼吁自然与人的和谐-对《弗兰肯斯坦》的生态批评解读_英语论文

An Appeal for Harmony Between Nature and Human: An Interpretation of Frankenstein from the Perspective of Ecocriticism

摘要

玛丽·雪莱的代表作《弗兰肯斯坦》被誉为出色的哥特式小说之一，同时也开创了西方科幻小说的先河。一经发表，小说就广泛受到文学界的关注。就生态批评角度而言，之前的研究大多关注小说中自然是如何被人类压迫的，却忽视了自然的主体性学者们对文中对关于自然的生动描写却没有给予应有的关注，对小说涉及的生态问题分析远不够深刻全面。鉴于此，本文旨在从生态批评的角度对《弗兰肯斯坦》进行解读，揭示作品中富有远见的生态意识，为缓解当代日益恶化的生态危机提供新思路。

首先，本文试图从分析小说中所呈现的人与自然的形象入手，探讨人与自然冲突存在的根源。然后，本文作者试图探讨《弗兰肯斯坦》表现出来的对和谐的内心渴求。自然是人类的朋友，并且安慰和启迪人类。人类应该认识到自然的主动性和主体性。对人类来说，控制自己的极端欲望和激情，回归外在和内在的自然也是同样重要的。只有这样才能真正实现自然与人的和谐。

关键词：《弗兰肯斯坦》；生态批评；自然；冲突；和谐

Abstract

Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein is considered as one of the excellent gothic novels as well as the forerunner of science fiction. Since its publication in 1818, the novel has received extensive interpretations. As for the perspective of ecocriticism, the previous studies pay much attention to how nature is trampled by man, but neglect the subjectivity of nature. They seldom give proper attention to the abundant descriptions of nature in Frankenstein. This thesis aims to make a new interpretation of Frankenstein from the perspective of ecocriticism, in order to explore Mary Shelly’s ecological wisdom and find a possible way to rescue both human and nature in the context of global ecological crisis.

The thesis tries to explore the root of the conflict between human and nature by analysing their different images in the novel. 

Then, the present author tries to inquire into the author’s internal desire to appeal for harmony embodied in Frankenstein. Nature is a friend of human being who comforts and enlightens mankind. Man should be aware of the initiative and subjectivity of nature. And it is also of great importance for humans to control their extreme desires and passions and to return to both external and internal nature, which can truly achieve harmony between nature and human. 

Keywords: Frankenstein; ecocriticism; nature; conflict; harmony 

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Studies at Home and Abroad 1

1.2 Research Questions and Significance 4

2. Human: An Ambitious Overreacher 6

2.1 Victor Frankenstein’s Morbid Passion for Scientism 6

2.2 Victor Frankenstein’s Wrong Concept of Anthropocentrism 8

3. Nature: A Comforting Being with Independent Voice 11

3.1 A Friend Providing Consolation to Human Beings 11

3.2 A Friend Giving Admonition to Human Beings 12

4. An Appeal for Harmony 15

4.1 Elizabeth and Henry Clerval: The Embodiment of Fusion Between Nature and Human 15

4.2 A Call for Harmony on Man’s Spiritual Level 17

5.Conclusion 19

Notes 21

References 22