Possible Elements Of Ecopoetry

Question 1

What can ecopoetry do regarding man’s way of life?

Answer 1

Ecopoetry may criticise mainstream culture and consumerism, as well as man’s indifference to environmental issues. It usually condemns man’s exploitation of the environment and his careless and irresponsible squandering of resources.

Question 2

How does ecopoetry create a new sensitivity for the voice of nature?

Answer 2

Ecopoetry can urge man to free himself from distractions of mainstream culture and to disobey society to perceive the truth, such as that man is an immanent part of nature and that animals possess equal rights.

Question 3

What warning does ecopoetry send out?

Answer 3

Ecopoetry confronts man with the consequences of his bad behaviour toward the environment, presenting nature as a merciless force which man must submit to.

Question 4

What is the ‘call to action’ in ecopoetry?

Answer 4

Ecopoetry calls on man to change his way of life and engage in environmental action.

Question 5

What promise does ecopoetry make regarding harmony?

Answer 5

Ecopoetry draws an ideal picture of harmony between man and nature, suggesting that this can become true if man changes his ways.

Question 6

How does ecopoetry point at the ecological unity of man and nature?

Answer 6

Ecopoetry highlights man’s dependence on the complex web of life, promoting the First Law of Ecology: Everything is connected to everything else.

Question 7

What spiritual unity does ecopoetry promote?

Answer 7

Ecopoetry presents all creatures and objects on earth as relatives of one big family, showing that everything is spiritually connected.

Question 8

How does ecopoetry use personification of nature?

Answer 8

Ecopoetry describes nature as a human being to indicate that nature has feelings and possesses equal rights, addressing the reader emotionally.

Question 9

What role do nature metaphors play in ecopoetry?

Answer 9

Ecopoetry uses powerful nature metaphors to express the power of nature and support the poet’s message.

Question 10

Can you provide an example of a negative nature metaphor in ecopoetry?

Answer 10

An example is ‘A dark night will come upon you,’ which strengthens a warning about the consequences of man’s wrong deeds.

Question 11

Can you provide an example of a positive nature metaphor in ecopoetry?

Answer 11

An example is ‘A bright shiny day can be your reward,’ which strengthens the promise for harmony between man and nature.