Ecocriticism | Analyse

Innledning
Ecocriticism can be neatly segmented into four distinct subdomains. These four categories encompass "wilderness," notably encompassing deserts and oceans; "scenic sublime," which encompasses majestic landscapes like mountains, waterfalls, cliffs, forests, and lakes; "countryside," encompassing serene natural settings like woods, hills, and fields; and finally, "domestic picturesque," encompassing charming man-made spaces such as lanes, gardens, and parks.

These subcategories align with Peter Barry's theoretical framework in ecocriticism.

Utdrag
Within this artwork, the central theme revolves around agriculture, evident through the prominent field and the forest gracing the foreground of the painting.

It serves as a visual representation of the robust colonial expansion through land cultivation, portraying a manifestation of masculine colonial aggression.

In the 18th century, the emphasis on bolstering agriculture was paramount, reflected in the prevalence of American nature literature centered on farming and land cultivation.

Applying the previously mentioned subcategories, this painting aligns with the classification of "the countryside."

The elements of woods, hills, and fields depicted within the artwork distinctly fall under this category. As you examine the painting's composition, you'll notice a forest on the right, juxtaposed with a house on the left, and figures moving about outside the dwelling.

At the painting's center lies a field seamlessly connected to a farm, effectively capturing the essence of both woods and fields. In the background, a picturesque scene unfolds, featuring a lake, rolling hills, and a secluded woodland, all of which distinctly characterize the countryside.

This depiction is intrinsically linked to the pastoral theory, a concept that seeks to illuminate the contrast between urban and rural life.

The pastoral theory can be further categorized into three variations: Classical, Romantic, and American pastoral.

In this instance, the painting embodies the American pastoral approach, as it subtly contrasts with urban existence. Additionally, pastoralism can be divided into two distinctive forms: soft and hard pastoralism.