https://doi.org/10.67147/literariness.v1i3.066
The Prefigurations of Cultural Ecofeminism in the Book of Ruth
CHRISTEENA TREESA ANTONY
Independent Research Scholar
christeena.treesa@macfast.ac.in
Abstract: The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Holy Bible. It is often recited at Shavuot (harvest festival) in Jewish Tradition. Cultural Ecofeminism is the sub branch of Ecofeminism. The theory explores the intrinsic connection that nature and women share due to similarity in (gender) roles and (bodily) traits. This connection is explored in the cultural context of the Book of Ruth. The mode of approach taken is contextual approach which considers the relationship between individuals and their physical, cognitive and social worlds. The major theorists of Cultural Ecofeminism include Sherry B. Ortner, Lori Gruen, Eric C. Otto, Vetriselvi, Carolyn Merchant, Ynestra King and Elizabeth Carlassare.. The research examines the ways in which female characters, especially Ruth, are represented in relation to the nature to which they are embedded. Recurrent cultural ecofeminist patterns and themes in the character interactions and story structure are analysed. Synergy of women and nature are drawn to trace the intrinsic connection of women and nature. Various Bible Commentaries (International, Catholic and Jerome) are used in validating the argument. There has been immense study in the realm of Cultural Ecofeminism. Roy’s God of Small Things and Sarah Joseph’s Gift in Green were examined through Cultural Ecofeminism. Feminism and Ecocriticism were used to analyse the Book of Ruth. The Biblical Book of Ruth: A Feminist Literary Reading by Kaija Helena Ranta and Ruth: An Earth Bible Commentary by Alice M. Sinnott are examples. Cultural Ecofeminism in Ruth not much explored.
Keywords: Nature, Women, Culture, Ecofeminism, Bible Studies
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