Mythical Dimension of Human-environmental Relations in Modern Latin-American Prose Fiction

Abstract

Various modes of interaction between humans and the natural world are among the most important topics in modern Latin-American literature. The narrative discourse of the region debates the Old World myths and ideals projected onto the Latin-American reality. It also incorporates indigenous mythical concepts which contribute towards the creation of a new and original literary vision of the natural world. Growing interest in ecocriticism and its importance in postcolonial studies highlight the validity of new approaches to non-Western cultures and literatures and the necessity of reinterpretation of cultural practice within environmentally conscious theoretical framework. Far from being exhaustive, the present study suggests some new and ecologically sensitive interpretative patterns which centre on the relationship between myth, nature and narrative.