환경위기에서 생태적 희망찾기: 바바라 킹솔버 작품 비교 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer and Flight Behavior based on Arne Naess’ Deep Ecology theory. Among Naess’ ‘The Eight Points of Deep Ecology,’ this study is focused on accepting life equality and recognizing diverse life forms. Barbara Kingsover, an American environmental fiction writer, expresses that no human has dominant authority on nature. She also intertwines human and non-human life with independent values and fate. In the texts Prodigal Summer and Flight Behavior, both human beings and other living things are closely interrelated. Based on Deep Ecology theory, this paper explores how Kingslover’s work offers a mode of ethical responsiveness to in an age of ecological crises. In Prodigal Summer, the character Garnett craves to revive American chestnut trees. His failure is mainly caused by his self-centered stubbornness. Through Nannie’s warm hospitality he begins to sense the value of reconciliation and co-existence with others, and finally comes to understand that American chestnut trees have survived on Nannie’s ranch regardless of reckless logging. In Flight Behavior, Dellarobia is a discontented wife, and experiences intellectual development thanks to Professor Ovid. In this text, the global climate crisis affects the migration of Monarch butterflies. The arrival of the butterflies at Zebulon Mountain totally changes Dellarobia’s life; both she and the butterflies survive torrential rain and freezing temperatures. This paper argues that through showing how her protagonists overcome environmental crisis, Kingsolver is implying that collectively the human species has agency; we can act to avert an impending environmental cataclysm.