Teaching the Ecological Awareness on the use of John Steinbeck's Novel in English Language Learning for University Student in Thailand

Abstract

For many centuries ago, critics have considered John Steinbeck literary works in a variety of many aspects, which it was found in various genres; collections of essays, articles in journal, research papers in university, or books -- into 4 main standpoints. Firstly, some critics employ a historical approach and interpret his novels in the context of American which relevance to the global history. Secondly, make a use of Marxist’s approach to considered Steinbeck’s works and let him to be a proletarian writer of the grassroots people. Furthermore, some critics are involved in investigate the use of myth whereas others give increasing attention to feminism and minorities’ studies in Steinbeck novel. Finally, the ecological vision of Steinbeck had become more influence in the eyes of the young generation reader in the 21 century. In Thailand, the English novels and short stories are also maintained in every University, especially, the student who are taking English as their major subject. They also study many works of famous author as John Steinbeck in many aspects, not only for entertainment but for education improvement and recreational of their vision too. This paper will look at some of John Steinbeck’s novels from an ecological awareness standpoint and bring the significance of relationship between human and nature as Cheryll Glotfelty (1996) urges in the Eco-criticism Reader: Landmarks in Literary Ecology, the institution of literary studies should respond to global environmental crises. This paper is based on my certainty that an eco-critical approach can help restore the inequality caused by anthropocentric literary criticism and illustrate our awareness to significance of ecological problems by re – observe and explore Steinbeck’s visualization and his suggestions to counter ecological utilization.