The Transformative Power of the Sea in Circe: An Ecocritical Reading Using Bate’s Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36312/jolls.v5i3.2932Keywords:
Sea, Transformation, Ecocriticism, Madeline MillerAbstract
This study explores the role of the sea as a force of transformation in Circe, a novel by Madeline Miller, through an ecocritical approach grounded in Jonathan Bate’s theoretical framework. The aim of this research is to examine how the sea is portrayed not merely as a natural element, but as an active agent of psychological and spiritual change for the protagonist. Employing a qualitative approach and a narrative methodology, this study analyzes how Bate’s concepts of dwelling and inform Circe’s encounters with the sea and shape her journey toward self-discovery and independence. The data are drawn from close textual readings of key narrative moments in the novel where the sea functions as a site of refuge, challenge, and inner reflection. The findings reveal that the sea serves as a symbolic landscape representing transformation, emotional tension, and eventual empowerment. This transformation is deeply rooted in her intimate relationship with nature, emphasizing the idea that the natural world is not a passive backdrop but a dynamic force within the narrative. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse of ecocriticism by highlighting the importance of ecological symbolism and nature-driven character arcs in shaping both narrative structure and environmental awareness in contemporary literature.
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