Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

1.2 Introduction to Moby Dick-2

1.3 Literary Review.2

1.4 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Theory of Eco-criticism-4

2.1 A Brief History of Eco-criticism-4

2.2 Significance of Eco-criticism-4

Chapter Three Eco-criticism in Moby Dick-5

3.1 Characters’ Attitude Toward Nature in Moby Dick-5

3.1.1 Captain Ahab's and Other Crew’s Encroachment on Nature-5

3.1.2 Ishamael's Respect for Nature-6

3.2 Ecological Values of Herman Melville in Moby Dick-7

3.2 .1 Consciousness of Human's Explotation of Nature -8

3.2 .2 Pursuit of A Harmonious Human-nature Relationship-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-10

References-11

Abstract

Moby Dick is a novel first published in 1851 by American author Herman Melville. Based on Melville’s experience on a whaling ship, it is called the encyclopedia of whaling. The novel recounts the adventures of the narrator Ishmael when he sails on the whaling ship, Pequod, under the command of the monomaniacal Captain Ahab.

Eco-criticism is the study of the relationship between literature and environment from an interdisciplinary point of view where all sciences come together to analyze the environment and brainstorm possible solutions for the correction of the contemporary environmental situation Based on the theory of eco-criticism, this paper attempts to analyze the novel from this new perspective and uncover the author’s ecological thoughts in this novel. In Moby Dick, characters can be divided into two groups according to their attitudes towards nature. They either encroach on nature like Captain Ahab or respect nature like Ishmael. Their different endings show that human beings should build a harmonious relation with nature to boost ecological sustainable development. Besides, the author expresses his ecological values in the novel, including the awareness of humans’ exploitation of nature and the necessity of a harmonious relationship between man and nature. It is hoped this paper can provide a new perspective to understand this classic novel. 

Keywords:  eco-criticism  Moby Dick  human  nature