Ecocritical Readings of Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney and Dylan Thomas

Abstract

Ecocriticism is a lately developed theoretical branch of literary criticism which explores the relationship between literature and environment. It reads literature from ecocentric perspective. Here in the article three mid-twentieth poets, namely Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney and Dylan Thomas, are taken and their poetry is explored through the parameters of ecocriticism. Ted Hughes’ poetry depicts the violence and struggle for survival of the animal world which becomes invaluable lessons for man in the contemporary world teaching him that ways about how to cohabit with nature. Heaney’s poetry imbues literature with the spirit of the place. He explores place-consciousness of man in order to resituate him into the ecosystem. Thomas’ poetry betrays concern for aquatic ecology and for the native flora and fauna; his pantheism often borders on deep ecological concerns. Their poetry explicates that man has done enough damage to the world and attempts to bring man back to their senses. Their poetry also stays witness to the fact that poetry can incite genuine ecological consciousness and love

for nature. Ecocritical study also throws new light on their poetry.