Environmental Imaginings in Winterson'sThe Stone Gods

Abstract

The major thrust of this research is to studyparallely how women are oppressed in patriarchal society and how nature is exploited in Jeanette Winterson'sThe Stone Godsapplying Richard Twine's idea on ecofeminism. Spike is oppressed by Mr. Handsome. His preliminary infatuation leads her to nowhere. Rather it tends to affect their relationship badly. Handsome gives hollow promises. This issue is tested from the angle of ecofeminism. Ecofeminism sees a connection between the exploitation and degradation of the natural world and the subordination and oppression of women. It brings together elements of the feminist and green movements, while at the same time offering a challenge to both. It takes from the green movement a concern about the impact of human activities on the non-human world and from feminismthe view of humanity as gendered in ways that subordinate, exploit and oppress women. Spike is alone in the family as her mother was already dead. Spike’s unsuccessful bonding to Handsome and its lack of emotional attachment stands in sharp contrast to the exploitation of nature by those who uphold aggressive and antagonistic attitude to nature and her integrity. Spike childhood memories overshadow her present with gloom. What pains Spike most is her utter loneliness in this house. Her loneliness stands for the desolation and emptiness in nature. She can establish no effective communication with her male partner.Spike’s worldly nature makes her well inclined to derive the fullest satisfaction from the intimate experience of sex.