Nature Through Different Lenses: Anthropocentrism, Biocentrism, and Ecocentrism in Shakuntala, The Cherry Orchard, and The Sea

Abstract

This paper deploys Leo Marx's concept of pastoralism and Arne Naess' paradigm of deep ecology to undertake an ecological exploration of Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, Kalidasa's Shakuntala, and Edward Bond's The Sea. Within the theoretical framework of pastoralism, the pastoral ideal is more than a nostalgic retreat from modernity—it becomes a powerful critique of a society that has succumbed to the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. In The Cherry Orchard, the pastoral ideal collapses under the weight of industrial progress, exposing a deep pastoral conflict that highlights the alienating impacts of anthropocentrism and capitalism, which disconnect humanity from the natural world. Conversely, Shakuntala offers a vision of harmonious symbiosis between humans and nature, recognizing the intrinsic value and interconnectedness of all life forms, thereby providing a clear contrast to the pastoral decline depicted in The Cherry Orchard. The Sea shifts the focus from pastoral harmony to the chaotic forces of the natural world, mirroring the inner conflicts of its characters. Edward Bond critiques the anthropocentric worldview driving environmental degradation and challenges the nostalgic longing for a lost pastoral paradise, as portrayed in The Cherry Orchard. Instead of advocating for domination over nature, The Sea underscores the futility of such control, promoting an acceptance of nature’s raw, untamable power and advocating for a journey toward self-awareness. The contrasting depictions of nature in The Sea, The Cherry Orchard, and Shakuntala evoke broader questions about the sustainability of both human and environmental futures. While industrialization casts doubt on the viability of pastoral ideals, deep ecology demands a radical reimagining of humanity's relationship with the natural world, calling for a renewed ecological consciousness to ensure the future of both nature and civilization.