A CULTURAL ECOFEMINISM PERSPECTIVE OF KEATS’ LA BELLE DAME SANS MARCI

Abstract

This study aims to explore the interrelation between womanhood and nature. For this purpose, the present study has adopted Ortner’s (1972) cultural eco-feminism as a theoretical framework to interpret John Keats’ poetical stance used in his poem La Belle Dame Sans Marci. The theory states that the subjugation of women and the operation of nature are closely or identically interrelated. However, the similar status of women and nature sufferings due to the mindset of the people towards patriarchal setup has been highlighted by certain eco-cultural feminists. This textual analysis study is qualitative in nature. This has been revealed through analysis of the text with the help of literary devices: metaphors, personification and symbolism are used in Keats’ poem La Belle Dame Sans Merci to show the equivalent position shared by nature and women. It also highlights that Keats observed critically the patriarchal, hierarchical and dualistic culture on one hand by taking into account the conventional mindset towards the oppression of the women and subjugation of nature for a long time while on the other Keats’ representation of women being suppressed as living in the same cultural manner as nature has been portrayed in his poetry. Thus, the connection of nature to the past serves the purpose to explain how the surroundings, art, animals, birds along with women have been demoralized and subjugated