Eco-Criticism and Other Emerging Approaches

Critical theory is not a fixed canon but a living, evolving field. New approaches emerge as society changes, as new questions become urgent, and as existing theories reveal their limitations. This lesson introduces four emerging critical approaches that are increasingly relevant to A-Level English Literature: eco-criticism, disability studies, queer theory, and reader-response theory.

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Eco-Criticism

What Is Eco-Criticism?

Eco-criticism (also called environmental criticism or green studies) examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment. It asks:

• How does literature represent nature?
• What assumptions about the relationship between humans and the natural world does a text embody?
• How has literature shaped — and been shaped by — environmental consciousness?
• Can literature contribute to ecological awareness and change?

Key Concepts