An ecofeminist study of Flora Nwapa’s ‘<i>Efuru</i>’

Abstract

This paper identified the great contribution of Flora Nwapa’s Efuru to ideas of ecological consciousness, and environmental protection, using theory that interlaces ecocriticism cum feminist criticism. The methodology therefore involves the conversation or ideas on the images of women and nature in ‘Efuru’, the association between the oppression of women and exploitation of nature by male chauvinist, thereby enslaving the female and nature in the commercial market value. From an ecofeminist perspective, this paper discovered that Flora Nwapa inculcates her novel with a theme of feminine and natural liberation from domination and violence. Flora Nwapa foresees the establishment of symbiosis, in which there is no male oppression or environment exploitation.

Keywords: ecological conscience, male oppression, ecofeminism, domination, interconnectedness