In my paper I want to investigate the connection between mobility and ecoheroism, because I want to find out whether mental and physical mobility can be seen as a catalyst for starting an eco-journey. I want to show that Barbara Kingsolver's protagonist Dellarobia is an eco-heroine driven by her mental and physical mobility throughout the book, which is started by an environmental abnormality: the appearance of Monarch Butterflies.
I examine the realities of climate change as they are presented in "Flight Behavior" and how Dellarobia’s starting recognition
that climate change exists corresponds with her understanding of natural processes and unfair power dynamics. Dellarobia frees herself from the dualistic culture and the restrictions of motherhood, because she is realizing the truths and effects of climate change and want to create a better future for others -her kids. Her personal growth as an independent woman comes through her transformation into an environmentally aware individual.
My investigation is supposed to help readers understand the importance of mobility for eco-heroism not only as a catalyst for Dellarobia becoming an eco-heroine, but I would argue, that recognizing the protagonist´s development in "Flight Behaviour" [sic.] as a reader, helps to overcome denial of climate change, activates concern and creates awareness.
Table of Contents
1. A Changing World Requires Mobility
2. What Makes a Hero?
2.1. Physical Mobility and Mobile Identity
2.2. Dellarobia´s Insideness and Outsideness
2.3. The Butterfly Effect
2.4. Climate Change Fears are Given Wings
3. Eco-Heroism through Mobility
4. Works Cited
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper explores the connection between physical and mental mobility as a catalyst for environmental heroism in Barbara Kingsolver's novel Flight Behaviour. The research aims to demonstrate how the protagonist, Dellarobia, undergoes a transformative journey that leads her to reject dualistic cultural norms and embrace ecological consciousness in response to the climate crisis.
- Theoretical redefinition of the literary hero and the concept of the "eco-heroine."
- Analysis of the interplay between physical environment and mental mobility.
- Application of ecofeminist theory and material ecocriticism to literary character development.
- Examination of social class, risk perception, and their impact on climate awareness.
- The role of environmental abnormalities as drivers for personal and social transformation.
Excerpt from the Book
2. What Makes a Hero?
In order to approach the definition of an eco-heroine I start by briefly outline the classical definition of a hero. According to Merriam-Webster, a hero is a person “who shows great courage and is admired for achievements and noble qualities.” In the traditional sense, a hero in a literary work is considered the main character of a writing. The literary hero is typically male, handsome and represents the moral ideals of his time. He serves as a model character who helps people through his actions. Therefore, he must set out on a great adventure to free the world from suffering and then returns to the world he left (Campbell 63–256). The hero’s journey is linear, world-saving, derived from anthropocentric mythology and is reflected in our worship of the hero as the individual who rises above all others.
Given the changing times, these are arguably outdated interpretations of the concept. Heroes come in many different forms and the definition of heroism has evolved to incorporate more modern values (Shang 2) in our changing dynamics of society. According to Zimbardo (talk “What Makes a Hero?”) a hero does not need to be an exceptional person associated with outstanding abilities, but a person placed in the right circumstance, given the necessary tools to transform compassion into heroic action. Zimbardo also further argues that, still, more men are considered heroes because women often tend to define their heroic actions as not heroic but just what is expected of them as a mother or wives.
Summary of Chapters
1. A Changing World Requires Mobility: Introduces the necessity of mental and physical mobility in the context of the climate crisis and frames the research goal regarding the protagonist Dellarobia.
2. What Makes a Hero?: Establishes a theoretical foundation by contrasting classical hero tropes with a modern, gendered definition of an "eco-heroine."
2.1. Physical Mobility and Mobile Identity: Discusses how geographical and social placement influences individual development and climate awareness.
2.2. Dellarobia´s Insideness and Outsideness: Analyzes the protagonist's initial social confinement, patriarchal oppression, and her complex relationship with her local environment.
2.3. The Butterfly Effect: Explores how an environmental abnormality acts as a catalyst for Dellarobia’s mental transformation and awakening.
2.4. Climate Change Fears are Given Wings: Describes the protagonist’s final break from her restrictive environment and her transition toward an independent, environmentally aware life.
3. Eco-Heroism through Mobility: Summarizes the study’s findings, confirming that environmental challenges in literature can successfully catalyze character development and social consciousness.
4. Works Cited: Lists the academic sources used to support the literary and theoretical analysis.
Keywords
Eco-heroine, Flight Behaviour, Barbara Kingsolver, Climate Change, Mobility, Ecofeminism, Material Ecocriticism, Dellarobia Turnbow, Risk Perception, Identity, Environment, Anthropocentrism, Social Mobility, Place Studies, Gender Roles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines how physical and mental mobility acts as a catalyst for the main character in Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behaviour to evolve into an "eco-heroine" who combats climate change denial.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed?
The primary fields include literary studies, ecofeminism, material ecocriticism, and the sociology of mobility and risk perception.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if mental and physical mobility can effectively drive an individual toward environmental activism and personal independence.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a literary-theoretical approach, combining Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey with ecofeminist theories and contemporary risk perception research to analyze character development.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The body analyzes the protagonist's initial state of social confinement, her reaction to the environmental anomaly of the Monarch butterflies, and her eventual rejection of patriarchal and anthropocentric norms.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include Eco-heroine, Mobility, Climate Change, Ecofeminism, and Personal Transformation.
How does the environment specifically influence Dellarobia’s character?
The environment serves as both a confining force and an awakening force; the appearance of the Monarch butterflies forces her to look beyond her daily routine and recognize global environmental threats.
Why is the concept of "Insideness" and "Outsideness" relevant to the protagonist?
These terms describe her complex position in her family, where she feels trapped in traditional motherly roles (Insideness) while simultaneously feeling alienated and marginalized (Outsideness) by her community and family-in-law.
What is the significance of "The Butterfly Effect" in this research?
It represents the scientific and metaphorical trigger that enables Dellarobia to realize that small, individual actions can lead to massive global changes, mirroring her own journey toward autonomy.
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- Felina Lehmann (Autor:in), 2019, Fixed Identities in a Changing World? Mobility as a Catalyst for Eco-Heroism, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/510672
