Current Search: Ecocriticism (x) » Nature in literature (x)
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Title
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An ecocritical and metaphorical analysis of "Cereus Blooms at Night".
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Creator
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Kaleel, Rhonda A., Florida Atlantic University, Furman, Andrew
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Abstract/Description
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Nature is an important symbol in Cereus Blooms at Night by Shani Mootoo. The metaphorical comparisons are interlaced within the colonial usurpation which fuels the novel into becoming an ecocritical statement, because without the health of the environment, both human and non-human species alike decay and die because of colonial encroachment. Shani Mootoo illustrates the ecological clash between the wetlands and the tropics through an intricate narrative involving people who are dominated by...
Show moreNature is an important symbol in Cereus Blooms at Night by Shani Mootoo. The metaphorical comparisons are interlaced within the colonial usurpation which fuels the novel into becoming an ecocritical statement, because without the health of the environment, both human and non-human species alike decay and die because of colonial encroachment. Shani Mootoo illustrates the ecological clash between the wetlands and the tropics through an intricate narrative involving people who are dominated by their environments and cultures, or lack thereof, which create great chasms to overcome. Through critical nature symbols such as the town of Paradise versus the wetlands, the cereus plant, the bugs, the birds, and the cat, important ecocritical connections can be made as to the survival of the characters and the island.
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Date Issued
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2005
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13205
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Subject Headings
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Mootoo, Shani,--1957---Cereus blooms at night, Nature in literature, Philosophy of nature in literature, Ecocriticism, Ecology in literature, Literature and science--Caribbean Area
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Earth, water, and black bodies: elements at work in Toni Morrison's literary landscape.
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Creator
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Anderson, Pauline P., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
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Abstract/Description
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This project focuses on the natural elements earth and water as presented in the works of African American author Toni Morrison. The primary texts analyzed are Sula, Song of Solomon, and Beloved. In the first two novels, Morrison alludes to the abuse of black bodies by drawing parallels between the destruction of trees and the negative effects of urbanization. I argue that environmental destruction and urbanization parallels the disenfranchisement and killing of black bodies. Water in Beloved...
Show moreThis project focuses on the natural elements earth and water as presented in the works of African American author Toni Morrison. The primary texts analyzed are Sula, Song of Solomon, and Beloved. In the first two novels, Morrison alludes to the abuse of black bodies by drawing parallels between the destruction of trees and the negative effects of urbanization. I argue that environmental destruction and urbanization parallels the disenfranchisement and killing of black bodies. Water in Beloved connotes bondage because of its historical link to the Triangular Trade. However, considering Morrison's frequent mention of water and the fugitives' constant need to drink, I argue that ingesting water symbolizes a need for psychological freedom. All of the novels that I have analyzed emphasize the complex connections between African Americans and nature.
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Date Issued
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2012
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356892
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Subject Headings
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Criticism and interpretation, Criticism and interpretation, Criticism and interpretation, African Americans in literature, African American philosophy, Human ecology in literature, Nature in literature, Ecocriticism
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Format
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Document (PDF)