생태학적 담론과 그 역사적 전망

Abstract

This study aims to read Milton's Paradise Lost in terms of ecological discourse. His ecological vision places its great importance in the critical response to the seventeenth century's generally materialistic view of the natural world. In this period nature tended to be degraded to the status of inanimate material due to the social and philosophical influences of the Scientific Revolution, the Reformation and the appearance of modern subjectivity. Here Milton insists on nature's metaphoric character and its mystery, criticizing Bacon's practical approach to nature, Descartes' exclusion of the animistic element of nature, and the Calvinist assertion of man over nature. In the course of framing his principle of ecology, Milton substantiates the belief in the creative potential of nature. Milton has Adam sense nature as an original creative source that is essential in defining his existence. In Paradise Lost the Fall leads Adam to the distorted relationship between man and nature. While struggling to solve this problem, Adam finally finds a clue to restore the relationship by reminding himself that he taught nature to be articulate and to sing before the Fall. In fact, this constructive relationship as a form of cosmic dance symbolic of universal harmony is the core of Milton's ecological consciousness. Nevertheless, whereas this ideal situation can be attained only when Eden can be kept unfallen, Eden is chaotic as being potentially fallen. However, the key point is that in the chaotic state creativity can spring up and Adam can paradoxically establish a desirable interaction with nature. To cement this organic relationship, Adam undertakes a refining process, which gives a new substantial meaning to each existence. In Milton's ecological view, refining is the best way of overcoming the human ideology of domination and separation and of sharpening the holistic vision so that man and nature can exist in cooperation. Herein lies the historical significance of Milton's ecological discourse.