Latin Literature and Ecofeminism

Abstract

The use of ecofeminism as an interpretative tool for the study of Classical literature is a fairly new development. This chapter provides an overview of the intersection of ecofeminism with Latin literature in particular. The Romans’ environmental concerns were intrinsically related to their preoccupation with gender issues and literature discourse constituted a privileged field for the construction and solidification of gender identities. Plant and animal imagery associated with women have a persistent presence in most literary genres (e.g., epic, elegy, lyric). By focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on the poetry of the Augustan age, this chapter explores the ways in which Latin literature reflects male predominance through the stereotypical association of women with nature. The following issues are being addressed: (a) construction of gender identities, (b) body images, (c) motherhood, and (d) possession, abuse and sexual violence. As it proves, the naturalization and animalization of women in Latin literature is part of a wider gender-informed strategy that aims at confirming on a symbolic level the Romans’ belief in male dominance over women, animals and nature.