Women-Nature Association in Their Simultaneous Degradation: An Eco Feminist Study in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This paper aims to delineate the idea that women and nature are inextricably interconnected with the application of Ecofeminist theory upon Toni Morrison's novel The Bluest Eye. Methodology: The study was conducted in descriptive qualitative method using textual analysis and directed content analysis as a technique. Main findings: In this novel, Morrison highlights the sufferings of the Afro-American women by narrating their oppression at the hands of white and black men at the same time. This study seeks to focus on the association between the miseries of African American women and the devastation of nature due to patriarchal and racial discrimination. Walker shows that women are closer to nature by using various images and certain types of interconnectedness. The object of this study is to explore what techniques Morrison uses to link women to nature. By so doing, she suggests practical solutions to save women and environment. Of these, caring and respect between women and nature is one way out of this oppression and degradation. The study is dwelled on the analysis of the association between nature using the guidelines of Ecofeminist literary criticism. Social Implications: Morrison hopes that she can raise the consciousness of public opinion to preserve the environment and never take women for granted. Originality/Novelty of the study: The study concludes that Morrison uses metaphoric language and ethical principles to brilliantly depict the inextricable relationship between women and nature, particularly, in an attempt to end the classism, racism sexism and speciesism of patriarchal society.