Gary Snyder’s Deep Ecology and Aesthetics of Poetry: An Appraisal

Abstract

The paper deals with the present environmental peril and the dark side of scientific discoveries and technological inventions. All the acts of development were targeted at controlling nature for the maximum benefit of human beings. It is a kind of war in which humans believe in taking control/supremacy over anything and everything. Given the situation, different genres of literature addressing the myriad environmental local and global concerns and issues, assume great importance as they not only assist in redefining/transforming the intricate bond between humans and nature, but the literary works are also the responses to the contemporary climatic changes. The paper delves deep into the American poet Gary Snyders's quintessential ecological philosophy and thought. It is a comprehensive study of the notion of “Deep Ecology” as employed by Synder in his literary oeuvre. Through a close reading of some of his poems, this paper is an attempt to explore Snyder’s perspectives and how his understanding of Indian culture, particularly his deep fascination with Buddhism and the spiritual beliefs of Native Americans embellished his creative impulse.