Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Ecophilosophy in “Rappaccini’s Daughter”

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ecophilosophy in “Rappaccini’s Daughter” by focusing on his various representations of the natural environment and the human relationship to it. It suggests that the story reflects his belief that nature is divinely arranged and that humanity should protect rather than manipulate its systems. From his perspective, the disruption of natural systems would not only cause the extinction of many animal species but also endanger human life and existence on earth. The paper further suggests that Hawthorne promotes a view of nature as a living organism whose entities possess souls and spirits. Their capacity to have feelings and emotions makes them entitled to moral respect and consideration. In its study of the author’s environmental values and ethics, the essay claims that Hawthorne advocates the idea that human beings do not occupy a privileged position in the universe and that they are not superior or more important than nonhumans. In contrast to the Biblical vision of humankind, he portrays humans as weak and flawed creatures that cannot attain divine perfection. For these reasons, the paper asserts that “Rappaccini’s Daughter” exhibits Hawthorne’s deep ecological awareness and underlines his stature as a pioneer of American literary environmentalism.