The Spirit of Culture: A Deconstructive Ecofeminist Analysis of Yvonne Vera's Nehanda
Open Access
Author:
Shrivastav, Sara Allyn
Area of Honors:
Women's Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Iyunolu Folayan Osagie, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Jennifer Ann Wagner-Lawlor, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Yvonne Vera Nehanda Ecofeminism
Abstract:
This thesis will utilize deconstructive ecofeminist theory to analyze Yvonne Vera’s Nehanda. Deconstructive ecofeminists believe that non-oppressive societies can be created through deconstructing binaries and adopting a mutual self perspective. This ideological shift will lead to a non-oppressive society by creating a care ethic that is based on equality and mutual reciprocity. Applying deconstructive ecofeminist theory to the text will demonstrate how British colonization caused Nehanda’s community to shift from a collectivist society to an individualistic society. This shift is significant because it will demonstrate how Vera uses the historical context of the novel to reconcile colonial domination and create a new ecofeminist postcolonial consciousness.
