Ecocritical Approaches to Literature in French

(Hardback)

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Description

Ecocriticism is a critical approach that focuses on the representation in literature of the non-human elements of the natural world, a method of inquiry that has been largely limited to literature written in English. The aim of Ecocritical Approaches to Literature in French is twofold: to introduce ecocriticism to scholars of French-language literature, and to open ecocriticism to the vision and voices of French literature. The chapters look at work not only from France, but also from North America, the Caribbean, and Africa. The discussions include fiction, poetry, film and pedagogy. The goal of the collection is to demonstrate not only the applicability of ecocritical inquiry to literature in French, but to demonstrate the possibilities of ecocritical theory on the study of French literature, and also for ecocriticism itself. This collection will be a useful resource both for scholars of French-language literature and also for ecocritics who may have had only limited contact with literatures in languages other than English.

Reviews

Boudreau and Sullivan, hearkening to Stephanie Posthumus as the foremost proponent of French ecocriticism, highlight the importance of the language of expression in writing about nature. The editors meditations on treating works as French or francophone draw attention to the value of inclusivity and broadened thinking for a volume that takes inspiration from French interest in inhabited environments. . . .The volume, which is enhanced by the granularity of its nine-page index, ultimately succeeds in offering assorted food for thought about utilizing ecocriticism to enrich our understanding of connections between cultural production and ecological conditions in diverse environments. * Modern Language Review *
Ecocritical Approaches to Literature in French makes a valuable contribution to this growing field. * H-France Review *
Ecocritical Approaches to Literature in French is a fascinating read, particularly for scholars interested in teaching French literature from an ecological perspective. The contributors offer close readings and pedagogical methods for incorporating specific texts into the classroom, a welcome supplement for teachers at the college level. -- Christie Wampole, Princeton University
"Ecocritical Approaches to Literature in French beautifully illustrates the challenges and promises of bringing together what have been so far two divergent fields: ecocriticism and French and Francophone literary studies. Its range of essays will appeal to colleagues who are looking to bring ecocriticism into the classroom, and who are interested in new readings of work by writers as diverse as Charles Baudelaire, Patrick Chamoiseau, Antonine Maillet, Jean Rolin Jean-Christophe Rufin, and George Sand." -- Stephanie Posthumus, McGill University

Author Bio

Douglas Boudreau is associate professor of French at Mercyhurst University. Marnie Sullivan is assistant professor of English at Mercyhurst University.