Lawrence Buell's "The Future of Environmental Criticism" (Book Note)

 

"The Future of Environmental Criticism" by Lawrence Buell is the third installment in a trilogy of environmentally focused works, following "The Environmental Imagination" (1995) and "Writing for an Endangered World" (2001). Buell contends that the term "environmental criticism" better encapsulates the interdisciplinary nature of the field, as opposed to "ecocriticism". He traces the use of "nature" in literature back to the origins of ecocriticism and argues for a redefinition of terms to encompass diverse contemporary perspectives on the environment, including urban and rural spaces, alongside natural landscapes.  In subsequent chapters, Buell addresses key concerns of environmental criticism, including its focus on environmental representation, the reevaluation of place as a fundamental aspect of art and lived experience, and its ethical and political commitments. He views these as areas of ongoing debate, ensuring that the field of environmental criticism remains dynamic and evolving.  Buell offers guidance on navigating the various ways literary texts engage with environmental themes, introducing three complementary approaches: rhetoric, performance, and world-making. He emphasizes the importance of the concept of "place" within environmental humanism, noting that its definition remains open-ended, reflecting the dynamic nature of the field.  Chapter 3 explores how literary imagination interprets and influences the understanding and definition of space, place, and imagination, both locally and globally. It delves into the concept of "environmentality" and its relation to one's self-conscious sense of being within a physical context, highlighting the inseparable yet ever-shifting connection between the individual and their surroundings.  In a chapter dedicated to the ethics and politics of environmental criticism, Buell tracks the shift from "first wave" to "second wave" ecocriticism, where scholars are increasingly concerned with understanding how nature holds significance for readers, critics, teachers, and students, even those who may not find traditional nature-focused literature compelling. He advocates for an expansive approach to prevent a potential divide between science and the humanities. Overall, "The Future of Environmental Criticism" offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of environmentally oriented literature and criticism, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and dynamic development over time. Buell's work provides valuable insights into the ongoing conversation surrounding our relationship with the environment and the role of literature within it.