Ecocriticism and the Pastoral Tradition in Romantic Poetry

Abstract

Ecocriticism, an interdisciplinary approach that examines the relationship between literature and the physical environment, has gained prominence in recent decades. This paper explores the interplay between ecocriticism and the pastoral tradition in Romantic poetry, focusing on the works of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Clare. By examining the poets' depictions of nature, this study highlights how Romantic poetry reflects and critiques contemporary environmental concerns. The analysis underscores the relevance of Romantic pastoral poetry to modern ecological discourse and its potential to inspire environmental consciousness.