10.8 Lawrence Buell
7 min read•august 20, 2024
Lawrence Buell, a prominent figure in ecocriticism, reshaped literary studies by exploring the relationship between literature and the environment. His work expanded the field beyond , examining how texts engage with environmental issues and shape our understanding of the natural world.
Buell's key contributions include emphasizing place in shaping human experience, advocating for an ecocentric perspective, and addressing environmental justice. His influential books, and , established ecocriticism as a legitimate field and inspired a new generation of scholars.
Lawrence Buell's life and career
Education and academic positions
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- Earned his Bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his PhD from Cornell University
- Served as a professor of English at Oberlin College from 1966 to 1990
- Joined the faculty at Harvard University in 1990, where he taught until his retirement in 2011
- Held the Powell M. Cabot Professor of American Literature position at Harvard
Major publications and contributions
- Published his seminal work, The Environmental Imagination, in 1995, which helped establish ecocriticism as a legitimate field of study
- Authored Writing for an Endangered World (2001), which expanded the scope of ecocriticism to include issues of environmental justice and globalization
- Contributed to the study of American literature, particularly the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
- Edited several influential collections, such as The Future of Environmental Criticism (2005) and The Ecocriticism Reader (1996, co-edited with )
Buell's ecocritical approach
Definition of ecocriticism
- Ecocriticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the environment, examining how literary texts represent and engage with environmental issues
- Focuses on the ways in which literature reflects and shapes our understanding of the natural world and our place within it
- Encompasses a wide range of approaches, from the analysis of nature writing to the exploration of environmental justice and the impact of globalization on the environment
Key principles of Buell's ecocriticism
- Emphasizes and the physical environment in shaping human experience and identity
- Argues for the need to develop an ecocentric perspective that recognizes the intrinsic value of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things
- Advocates for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of , moving beyond the traditional focus on nature writing by white male authors
- Stresses the importance of considering issues of environmental justice and the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities
Buell's influence on ecocritical theory
- Helped legitimize ecocriticism as a serious field of study within the broader discipline of literary studies
- Expanded the scope of ecocriticism beyond its initial focus on nature writing and pastoral literature to encompass a wider range of texts and environmental issues
- Encouraged ecocritics to engage with interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing on insights from fields such as ecology, environmental history, and social justice studies
- Inspired a new generation of scholars to explore the complex relationships between literature, culture, and the environment
The Environmental Imagination
Overview of the book
- Published in 1995, The Environmental Imagination is considered a groundbreaking work in the field of ecocriticism
- Examines the ways in which literature has shaped our understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it
- Focuses particularly on the works of Henry David Thoreau and the tradition of American nature writing
- Argues for the need to develop an ecocentric perspective that recognizes the intrinsic value of the natural world
Thoreau and environmental writing
- Buell identifies Thoreau as a key figure in the development of American environmental thought and literature
- Analyzes Thoreau's works, particularly Walden, as exemplars of a new kind of environmental writing that emphasizes the importance of place and the value of direct experience of the natural world
- Argues that Thoreau's writing helped to establish a tradition of American nature writing that continues to shape our understanding of the environment
Pastoral tradition vs environmental literature
- Buell distinguishes between the pastoral tradition, which often presents an idealized and romanticized view of nature, and a more critical and engaged form of environmental literature
- Argues that the pastoral tradition tends to reinforce a human-centered perspective that sees nature primarily as a resource for human use and enjoyment
- Suggests that a more ecocentric approach to literature, as exemplified by writers like Thoreau, can help to challenge this anthropocentric worldview and promote a more sustainable and equitable relationship with the natural world
Ecocentric perspective in literature
- Buell advocates for the development of an ecocentric perspective in literature, which recognizes the intrinsic value of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things
- Argues that an ecocentric approach can help to challenge the dominant anthropocentric worldview that sees nature primarily as a resource for human use and exploitation
- Suggests that literature has an important role to play in promoting environmental awareness and encouraging readers to develop a more sustainable and equitable relationship with the natural world
Writing for an Endangered World
Buell's evolving ecocritical perspective
- In Writing for an Endangered World, published in 2001, Buell expands the scope of his ecocritical approach to encompass a wider range of environmental issues and texts
- Moves beyond the focus on nature writing and pastoral literature to consider how literature engages with issues of environmental risk, crisis, and justice
- Reflects a growing awareness of the global scale of environmental problems and the need for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of environmental literature
Risk and environmental crisis in literature
- Buell examines how literature represents and responds to environmental risks and crises, such as pollution, climate change, and species extinction
- Argues that literature can play an important role in raising awareness of environmental problems and imagining alternative futures
- Suggests that the representation of environmental crisis in literature can help to challenge dominant narratives of progress and growth and promote a more sustainable and equitable vision of the future
Toxic discourse and environmental justice
- Buell introduces the concept of "toxic discourse," which refers to the ways in which language and narrative are used to represent and respond to environmental hazards and risks
- Examines how literature engages with issues of environmental justice, particularly the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities
- Argues that literature can help to give voice to the experiences of those most affected by environmental problems and to imagine more just and equitable forms of environmental stewardship
Globalization and transnational ecocriticism
- Buell recognizes the need for a more global and transnational approach to ecocriticism, one that takes into account the complex interconnections between local and global environmental issues
- Examines how literature reflects and responds to the environmental impacts of globalization, such as the spread of industrial pollution, the loss of biodiversity, and the displacement of indigenous communities
- Suggests that a transnational ecocritical perspective can help to promote a more inclusive and equitable understanding of environmental literature and to imagine alternative forms of global environmental governance
Buell's impact and legacy
Contributions to American literature studies
- Buell's work has helped to establish ecocriticism as an important subfield within the broader discipline of American literature studies
- Has contributed to a growing recognition of the importance of place, environment, and ecology in shaping American literary traditions and cultural identities
- Has inspired a new generation of scholars to explore the complex relationships between literature, culture, and the environment in American contexts
Role in establishing ecocriticism as a field
- Buell's publications, particularly The Environmental Imagination and Writing for an Endangered World, played a crucial role in establishing ecocriticism as a legitimate and vital field of literary study
- Helped to define the key principles and methods of ecocriticism, and to expand its scope beyond the initial focus on nature writing and pastoral literature
- Encouraged ecocritics to engage with interdisciplinary perspectives and to consider the broader social, political, and ethical implications of environmental literature
Influence on contemporary ecocritics
- Buell's work has inspired and influenced a wide range of contemporary ecocritics, both within the United States and internationally
- Has helped to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of environmental literature, one that takes into account issues of race, class, gender, and globalization
- Has encouraged ecocritics to engage with new theoretical perspectives, such as postcolonial theory, environmental justice studies, and new materialism
Critiques and limitations of Buell's approach
- Some critics have argued that Buell's ecocentric perspective risks downplaying the importance of human agency and responsibility in shaping the environment
- Others have suggested that his focus on American literature and culture may limit the applicability of his insights to other national and cultural contexts
- Some have called for a more radical and politically engaged form of ecocriticism, one that goes beyond the analysis of literary texts to actively challenge the social and economic structures that contribute to environmental degradation
- Despite these critiques, Buell's work remains a foundational and influential contribution to the field of ecocriticism, and continues to inspire new generations of scholars and activists working at the intersection of literature, culture, and the environment
Key Terms to Review (18)
American Environmental Movement: The American Environmental Movement refers to a collective effort by individuals, organizations, and communities to advocate for the protection and preservation of the natural environment in the United States. This movement emerged in the mid-20th century, responding to industrialization and environmental degradation, and has significantly influenced policies, public awareness, and literature that address ecological issues.
Bioregionalism: Bioregionalism is an ecological and political concept that emphasizes the importance of geographical regions defined by natural characteristics rather than political boundaries. This approach advocates for sustainable living and community-based governance that aligns with local ecosystems, fostering a deep sense of connection to place. It encourages a holistic understanding of human relationships with nature, addressing environmental issues through localized solutions.
Cheryll Glotfelty: Cheryll Glotfelty is a prominent scholar known for her work in the field of ecocriticism, which examines the relationship between literature and the environment. Her contributions have been foundational in understanding how literature reflects and shapes ecological consciousness, connecting literary analysis with ecological themes and concerns. She has influenced the study of how narratives engage with environmental issues and the implications of human interactions with nature.
Cultural Criticism: Cultural criticism is an approach to understanding literature and culture by examining the social, political, and historical contexts that shape them. It involves analyzing how cultural texts reflect and influence ideologies, power dynamics, and societal norms. This method enables a deeper exploration of the ways culture interacts with identity, representation, and meaning.
Eco-aesthetics: Eco-aesthetics is a critical framework that explores the relationships between art, literature, and the environment, focusing on how aesthetic experiences can foster ecological awareness and environmental responsibility. This concept emphasizes the importance of nature in shaping artistic expression and encourages a deeper understanding of human interactions with the natural world, often critiquing anthropocentrism in traditional aesthetics.
Environmental Ethics: Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. It addresses questions about the value of nature, the rights of non-human entities, and the ethical implications of human actions on the environment, encouraging a deeper consideration of how humans impact ecological systems.
Environmental literature: Environmental literature refers to a genre of writing that focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, often exploring themes of ecology, conservation, and the impact of human activity on the environment. This genre includes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and essays that highlight environmental issues and advocate for awareness and change. It emphasizes biocentric perspectives that prioritize the intrinsic value of all living things and examines how literature can reflect and shape our understanding of ecological concerns.
Interdisciplinary studies: Interdisciplinary studies is an academic approach that integrates concepts, theories, and methods from multiple disciplines to address complex problems or questions. This approach fosters collaboration among various fields of study, allowing for a more holistic understanding and innovative solutions that wouldn't be possible through a single discipline alone.
Nature writing: Nature writing is a literary genre that focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, often emphasizing observation, reflection, and appreciation of nature. This genre challenges anthropocentric views by showcasing the intrinsic value of nature and exploring the interconnectedness of all living things.
Nature/culture divide: The nature/culture divide refers to the conceptual separation between the natural world and human cultural practices. This divide raises questions about how humans relate to their environment, often leading to discussions around ecological responsibility and the impact of cultural constructs on our perception of nature.
Posthumanism: Posthumanism is a philosophical perspective that challenges the traditional understanding of what it means to be human, often exploring the implications of technology, biology, and the environment on human existence. It reconsiders human agency and identity in the context of non-human actors, ecological systems, and technological advancements, inviting a more inclusive worldview that emphasizes interconnectedness.
Sustainable reading practices: Sustainable reading practices refer to approaches that encourage thoughtful, critical, and environmentally conscious engagement with texts. This concept promotes not only the careful selection of reading materials but also an awareness of the impact of reading habits on both personal development and ecological well-being. It emphasizes a balanced relationship between readers and texts, fostering long-term engagement that respects both cultural contexts and environmental concerns.
The aesthetic of the environment: The aesthetic of the environment refers to the sensory and emotional perceptions that individuals experience when interacting with their natural surroundings. This concept emphasizes how the beauty, characteristics, and overall atmosphere of a place can influence human feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, highlighting the interconnectedness between people and their environment.
The environmental imagination: The environmental imagination refers to the way individuals and societies conceptualize and engage with the natural world through literature, art, and culture. It encompasses the emotional, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions of how we perceive our environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences and ecological realities. This term often emphasizes the role of narrative in shaping our understanding of ecological issues and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet.
The importance of place: The importance of place refers to the significance of geographical, cultural, and historical contexts in shaping literature and human experience. This concept emphasizes how location influences narratives, characters, and themes, allowing readers to better understand the relationship between a work and its surrounding environment.
Transnational Ecocriticism: Transnational ecocriticism is an approach in literary and cultural studies that examines the relationships between literature, culture, and environmental issues across national boundaries. This perspective emphasizes how ecological concerns are intertwined with global politics, economies, and cultural practices, highlighting the shared environmental challenges that transcend individual nations. It seeks to understand how literature reflects and shapes perceptions of environmental crises on a global scale.
Ursula K. Heise: Ursula K. Heise is a prominent scholar in the field of environmental literary studies, recognized for her work on narrative and its relationship to ecological issues. Her contributions have greatly influenced how literature interacts with environmental concerns, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in shaping human perceptions of nature and our responsibilities toward it.
Writing for an endangered world: Writing for an endangered world refers to the practice of creating literature and discourse that addresses ecological crises, social justice issues, and the interconnectedness of human and non-human lives. This form of writing seeks to raise awareness and provoke action regarding environmental degradation, climate change, and the urgent need for sustainable living, emphasizing the role of literature as a catalyst for change and understanding in a troubled world.