7. Ecological Reading
A. Multiple Choice Questions
1) What is Rachel Caron's Silent Spring is noted for?
a)
Raising the environment issue publicly
b)
Marking the difference between humans and nature
c)
Pointing out the spiritual aspect of nature.
d)
Making people aware of global warming.
2) Ecocriticism is an attempt to...................
a)
understand authors' perception of the relationship between humans and nature
b)
examine the adverse effects of environmental degradation.
c)
control industrial and chemical pollution.
d)
make people aware of the relationship between politics and nature.
3) Which of the following writers represents
nature as an ominous force?
a)
Henry David Thoreau
b)
Herman Melville
c)
William Wordsworth
d)
John Keats
4) Anthropocentricism is harmful to both nature and humans
because
a)
it encourages humans to exploit nature.
b)
it encourages the rich to exploit the poor.
c)
it makes humans lazy
d)
it promotes immorality in society
5) Ecocritics regard animism as a possible solution to the
degradation of nature because
a)
it advocates social equality and justice.
b)
it treats nature as a living soul and encourages people to preserve all natural
things.
c)
it encourages people to control and exploit natural resources.
d)
it inspires people to cooperate with each other.
Extra MCQs
1) What is another name for ecological reading of literature?
a)
Green criticism
b)
Environmental criticism
c)
Nature reading
d)
All of the above
2) Who coined the term "ecocriticism"?
a)
Lawrence Buell
b)
Rachel Carson
c)
M.H. Abrams
d)
Cheryll Glotfelty
3) What does ecology study?
a)
Relationships between plants and animals
b)
Relationships between humans and the environment
c)
Relationships between people and animals
d)
All of the above
4) When did ecocriticism as a distinct mode of reading literary
works emerge?
a)
1960s
b)
1970s
c)
1980s
d)
1990s
5) Which book by Rachel Carson is considered a cornerstone in
the environmental movement?
a)
The Poplar Field
b)
Walden
c)
Silent Spring
d)
Moby Dick
6) According to ecocritics, how should humans view themselves in
relation to ecosystems?
a)
As benevolent participants
b)
As adversaries
c)
As neutral entities
d)
As dominant rulers
7) How does Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the
Sea" portray nature?
a)
As a benevolent force
b)
As an ominous force
c)
As a neutral backdrop
d)
As a source of inspiration
8) What does Henry David Thoreau emphasize in his book
"Walden"?
a)
Simple living in natural surroundings
b)
Conquering nature
c)
Industrial progress
d)
Urban lifestyle
9) According to William Cowper's "The Poplar Field,"
what happens when poplar trees are felled?
a)
The winds stop blowing
b)
The rivers dry up
c)
The jungle turns into a desert
d)
All of the above
10) What does the Nepali poet Avinash Shrestha express in his
poem "Jungle: A Soliloquy"?
a)
Concern over environmental degradation
b)
Celebration of urban life
c)
Praise for industrial progress
d)
Indifference towards nature
11) What is the main goal of ecocriticism?
a)
To examine character development in literature
b)
To understand how writers perceive the interaction between humans and nature
c)
To analyze historical contexts in literary works
d)
To promote formalistic analysis of texts
12) What is one of the key issues in ecological reading of
literature?
a)
The representation of the natural environment in literature
b)
The use of metaphor and simile in poetry
c)
The exploration of postmodern themes
d)
The analysis of narrative structure
13) What does ecocriticism seek to draw readers' attention to?
a)
The damaging effects of human activities on the environment
b)
The development of complex characters in literature
c)
The use of symbolism in poetry
d)
The evolution of literary genres
14) Which of the following poets is known for celebrating
natural beauty in their works?
a)
T.S. Eliot
b)
William Wordsworth
c)
Emily Dickinson
d)
Langston Hughes
15) What corrective measures does ecocriticism suggest for the
environmental crisis?
a)
Conservation of natural resources and preservation of natural beauty
b)
Acceleration of industrial activities
c)
Expansion of urban areas
d)
Increased use of chemical pesticides
16) What is anthropocentrism?
a)
The belief that animals are superior to humans
b)
The belief that humans are the central and most important entity in the
universe
c)
The belief that plants are more valuable than animals
d)
The belief that nature should be left untouched by humans
17) According to M.H. Abrams and Geoffrey G. Harpham, what is
one of the key issues raised by ecocritics?
a)
Anthropomorphism
b)
Anthropocentrism
c)
Biocentrism
d)
Ecocentrism
18) What is the first assumption of anthropocentrism?
a)
Human supremacy over the non-human world
b)
Human equality with the non-human world
c)
Human subservience to the non-human world
d)
Human indifference towards the non-human world
19) According to the biblical account of creation, what right do
humans have over the natural world?
a)
The right to dominate and control all creatures
b)
The right to live in harmony with all creatures
c)
The right to coexist with all creatures
d)
The right to serve and protect all creatures
20) What does the anthropocentric worldview justify in relation
to animals?
a)
Their right to equality with humans
b)
Their right to dominate humans
c)
Their right to serve and feed humans
d)
Their right to rule over humans
21) What does ecocriticism propose as an urgent need for
preserving nature?
a)
A shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric worldview
b)
A shift from an ecocentric to an anthropocentric worldview
c)
A shift from an animistic to an atheistic worldview
d)
A shift from an atheistic to an animistic worldview
22) What is animism?
a)
The belief that humans are inherently superior to the non-human world
b)
The belief that all natural things possess a living soul
c)
The belief that nature should be left untouched by humans
d)
The belief that humans are separate from the non-human world
23) In Hinduism, what is the significance of worshiping plants,
animals, and natural phenomena?
a)
It is a way of expressing gratitude to nature
b)
It is a form of superstition
c)
It is a means of controlling nature
d)
It is a form of idol worship
24) According to ecocriticism, how should humans view their
relationship with the natural world?
a)
As benevolent participants in ecosystems
b)
As adversaries to the natural world
c)
As neutral entities in the natural world
d)
As dominant rulers over the natural world
25) What is one of the key questions ecocriticism encourages
readers to consider when analyzing a literary text?
a)
How does the author use symbolism in the text?
b)
How does the author portray human characters?
c)
How does the author represent nature in the text?
d)
How does the author address political themes in the text?
B. Short Questions
1) What is ecology? What does ecological study mean in
literature?
Ecology
is a branch of biology that deals with the study of organisms and their
interactions with each other and their environment. It focuses on the
relationships between living beings (including humans), as well as their
interactions with the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of their
surroundings. Ecology seeks to understand how these interactions influence the
distribution, abundance, and behavior of organisms.
In
literature, ecological study, also known as ecocriticism, is an approach that
examines how nature and the environment are represented in literary works. It
involves analyzing how authors perceive the relationship between humans and
nature, and how they convey these perspectives through their writing.
Ecocriticism explores themes related to the natural world, environmental
issues, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
This
perspective encourages readers to consider the ecological dimensions of a text,
including how nature is portrayed, the significance of landscapes, and the
ethical implications of human interactions with the environment. Ecological
study in literature emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and
aims to raise awareness about environmental concerns, making it a vital field
of inquiry in today's world of increasing environmental challenges.
2) What is ecological reading or ecocriticism? Why is it so
important in the present context of the environmental crisis?
Ecological
reading, also known as ecocriticism, is an approach to literary analysis that
focuses on the representation of nature, the environment, and ecological issues
in literature. It explores how authors depict the natural world, human
interactions with nature, and the impact of environmental changes on
individuals and societies. Ecocriticism emerged as a response to growing
environmental concerns and aims to highlight the interconnectedness of humans
and the environment.
In
the present context of the environmental crisis, ecocriticism is crucial for
several reasons. First, it draws attention to the urgent need for environmental
awareness and action. As the world faces issues like climate change, habitat
destruction, and species extinction, literature becomes a powerful medium for
conveying the significance of these challenges. Second, ecocriticism encourages
a shift in perspective from anthropocentrism (human-centered) to ecocentrism
(nature-centered). This change in worldview is essential for fostering a
sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
Lastly,
ecocriticism provides a platform for writers to contribute to environmental
discourse. By examining literary works through an ecological lens, authors can
raise awareness, inspire change, and advocate for a more environmentally
conscious society. Ecocriticism plays a vital role in promoting environmental
consciousness and influencing positive actions towards a more sustainable
future.
3) How is nature portrayed in the literary work that presents
humans' relationship with nature in an antagonistic way? Give one example of
such works.
In
literary works that present humans' relationship with nature in an antagonistic
way, nature is often portrayed as a formidable force that opposes or challenges
human endeavors. This perspective underscores the conflict between humans and
the natural world, emphasizing the struggles, dangers, and adversities faced by
characters in their interactions with the environment.
One
prime example of such a work is Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick."
In this iconic tale, Captain Ahab's obsessive quest for revenge against the
giant white whale, Moby-Dick, epitomizes the antagonistic relationship between
humans and nature. The white whale, which Ahab sees as a malevolent force,
becomes the symbol of nature's relentless power and resistance against human
dominance.
Throughout
the novel, Melville vividly portrays the sea as a vast and unpredictable realm,
where human efforts to conquer it are met with formidable challenges. The crew
of the Pequod faces treacherous storms, encounters with dangerous marine
creatures, and the immense expanse of the open ocean—all of which serve to
highlight the formidable nature of the natural world.
"Moby-Dick"
exemplifies how nature is presented as an ominous force, capable of both
awe-inspiring beauty and terrifying destructiveness. Melville's novel serves as
a powerful critique of anthropocentrism, reminding readers of the limits of
human control over the natural environment.
4) How is nature portrayed in the literary work that presents a
harmonious relationship between humans and nature? Give one example of such
works.
In
literary works that depict a harmonious relationship between humans and nature,
the natural world is typically portrayed as a nurturing and interconnected
environment where humans coexist in equilibrium with their surroundings. Nature
is often presented as a source of solace, inspiration, and spiritual connection
for characters, emphasizing the mutual respect and symbiotic relationship
between humans and the environment.
One
exemplary work that exemplifies this portrayal is Henry David Thoreau's
"Walden." Thoreau's transcendentalist masterpiece documents his
experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, where he immerses himself in nature
to seek a deeper understanding of life. Throughout the book, Thoreau
demonstrates a profound reverence for the natural world, celebrating the
intricate beauty of the woods, fields, and waters that surround him.
Thoreau's
writings in "Walden" reflect a profound belief in the essential unity
of all living beings and the interconnectedness of the human spirit with
nature. He emphasizes the idea that humans should not view themselves as
separate from the natural world but as integral participants in the larger web
of life.
Through
vivid descriptions and contemplative reflections, Thoreau illustrates a harmonious
relationship between humans and nature, encouraging readers to appreciate and
preserve the intrinsic value of the environment. "Walden" serves as a
testament to the potential for a mutually enriching coexistence between
humanity and the natural world.
5) Why are anthropocentric worldviews harmful to the
environment?
Anthropocentric
worldviews are detrimental to the environment because they promote a belief
system where humans consider themselves as the central and most significant
entities in the universe. This perspective leads to a sense of human supremacy
over the non-human world, often resulting in exploitative and destructive
behavior towards the environment. Anthropocentrism fosters the idea that nature
exists solely for human benefit, and that all other living beings and natural
resources are meant to serve human interests.
This
mindset has historical and cultural roots, often tied to religious beliefs and
philosophies that grant humans dominion over the Earth. For example,
interpretations of certain biblical passages have been used to justify the
exploitation of natural resources. This outlook neglects the inherent value of
the environment and fails to recognize the interdependence of all living
beings.
Anthropocentrism
also promotes a sense of 'othering', where humans perceive themselves as
fundamentally different and superior to animals, plants, and the broader
ecosystem. This distinction leads to the objectification of nature, making it
easier to justify practices that harm the environment.
Ultimately,
anthropocentrism hinders efforts to preserve and protect the environment, as it
encourages a shortsighted focus on immediate human interests without
considering the long-term consequences for the planet and all its inhabitants.
It undermines the essential balance and harmony necessary for sustainable
coexistence with the natural world.
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