The Occult Feminine: Ecofeminist Renderings in Fact and Fiction

Abstract

Discrimination, Oppression, Exploitation are the expressions that we encounter repeatedly in the present milieu. In the patriarchal society that we live in, we witness the Macho Man subduing and exploiting Woman and Nature alike, for the gratification of his Need and Greed. Women and Nature are both creators and nurturers. The inherent feminity in a Woman is as much mirrored in Nature. It is this ethereal connection that a Woman and Nature share that Ecofeminists have seeked to establish and popularize. Ecofeminism originated from the idea that various forms of repression are interlinked, they follow the same pattern and hierarchy be it the human world or the natural world. Ecofeminists believe that until and unless Man unlearns this habit, the exploitation of women and destruction of nature won’t cease. Environmental Degradation leads to the erosion of Human Rights as well because we need a healthy environment to survive and realize our potential. Devastation of the ecology and economic iniquity go hand in hand. We have had forest land, tribal reserves being usurped by the powers that be, in the name of development and progress. There are many accounts of strife and revolt against the repressive tendencies of the state and private organizations. Women have been invariably in the forefront of such struggles, for the preservation of their own identity as well as the conservation of Nature. The human tendency to ignore the rights of other constituents that make up this natural world is the root cause of the conundrum mankind is in today. Literature, be it fiction or non-fiction mirrors life in myriad ways. This paper intends to collate Ecofeminist excerpts from literary works and real life struggles to conjure up a montage that reinforces womankind’s intimate bond with nature.