The Pull of the Wild: Biophilia in Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour

 

The Pull of the Wild: Biophilia in Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour

 

Dr. B. Mercy Gnanabai,

Assistant Professor,

Department of English,

Annai Violet Arts and Science College,

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Abstract: Barbara Kingsolver’s books Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour heavily draw on Erich Fromm’s theory of biophilia, which describes the natural human need to connect with other living things. Prodigal Summer explores various themes, including power dynamics, the importance of preserving natural processes, the relationships between humans and other living beings, and the interconnectedness of all life forms within the forest. On the other hand, Flight Behaviour emphasises the significance of biophilic connections outside of the human world as well as the consequences of climate change. The provided text analyses two novels, both of which explore biophilic affiliations by extending narrative focus beyond the human realm. One novel follows Dellarobia, a mother of two, who discovers a monarch butterfly colony in her backyard, examining the human-nature relationship and the impact of climate change on ecological balance. Both novels employ bio-narrative strategies to address trans-species communication through textual arrangement. Discussions within the novels centre on character appreciation and interaction with nature and its inhabitants, and the imperative for characters to protect the environment and its species from harmful agents like pesticides and agrochemicals. Barbara Kingsolver’s novels are noted for their significant contributions to ecofeminism, highlighting the intrinsic connection between the natural world and humanity, with consistent themes of environmental engagement and its impact on human beings across most of her works.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity, Conservation, Green Spaces, Trans-species Communication, Biophilic Design, Environmental issues

 

1. Introduction

 

“Biophilia is the passionate love of life and of all that is alive; it is the wish for further growth, whether in a person, aplant, an idea, or a social group. It’s also described as the innately emotional affiliation of humans to other living organisms” (The Nature Fix, 32).

 

Biophilia is a term used within the field of eco-literature. Biophilia is one of the human qualities of the world; it’s hidden in their minds, hearts, and souls, and it develops when they look after nature and its being. The term biophilia describes people’s natural desire to make relationships with other living things and the natural world. The term was coined by Harvard biologist Dr. Edward O. Wilson, who described it as humanity's inherent inclination to concentrate on life and life-like processes, along with an attraction to and appreciation for the natural world. The word means “love of life” or “love of living things,” and it comes from the Greek word “philia,” which means “love of.” Psychologist Erich Fromm, who defined it as “the passionate love of life and all that is alive”, first used the term in 1964. Research suggests that biophilia, or human engagement with the environment, offers benefits such as increased productivity, reduced stress, improved learning, and faster recovery from illness, leading to growing recognition among scientists, designers, and architects (Coulthard, S.,2020). The integration of natural components into the built environment, known as biophilic design, has become a popular approach to addressing the human desire for a connection to nature. The concept of biophilia posits that humans possess an inherent affinity for nature. This connection underscores the importance of integrating natural elements into built environments as a means to foster improved productivity and overall well-being.

1.1  Principles of Biophilia

 

Stephen R. Kellert, recognized as the ‘Godfather of Biophilia,’ significantly influenced human mental capabilities through biophilic design in the 20th century. A distinguished researcher in forestry and environmental studies, Kellert’s work involves designing buildings with biophilic principles to inspire, energize, and improve living, sleeping, working, and leisure spaces (Kellert, 2018).

 

1.2 Biophilic Design

                       

“The relationship between humankind and Nature can be one of respect and love rather than domination …The outcome...can be rich, satisfying, and lastingly successful, but only if both partners are modified by their association to become better adapted to each other...With our knowledge and sense of responsibility…we can create new environments that are ecologically sound, aesthetically satisfying, economically brewarding… This process of reciprocal adaptation occurs…through minor changes in the people and the environment,   but the more conscious process of design can also take place” (The Wooing ofthe Earth, 23).

 

 

Integrating nature into the built environment is known as biophilic design. There are two types of biophilic design strategies: direct and indirect processes. Nature’s physical elements—light, air, water, plants, animals, resources, natural scenery, and fire—are direct sensations. Biophilic design aims to create more harmonious and human-centered environments by incorporating natural aspects into architecture and interior design. Including natural components in the built environment enhances productivity and well-being.     

 

Negative Emotions

                                       

 

Figure 1: Biophilia reduces negative emotions

 

1.2  Benefits of Biophilia

           

Figure 1 reflects that Biophilia will reduce certain negative emotions, such as tension and depression, and bring more positive changes and qualities of well-being. The benefits of Biophilia and biophilic design of construction include,

 

1.      Lower cortisol levels, which are indicative of stress

2        Increase white blood cell levels, which are important for immunological function

3        Enhance both adult and child attention spans

4        Improve concentration and creativity, as well as cognitive and problem-solving abilities

5        Promote self-worth and mental calmness

6        Strengthen lifespan and sharpen short-term memory

7        Lower the chance of childhood near-sightedness

8        Motivate adults and kids to adopt healthier

 

Nature needs us considerably less than humans need it. A biophilic space is made up of these three interwoven threads. Ensure a location has a direct, tangible connection to the natural world. The second is to surround yourself with various items in your home that evoke the natural world. The third is living in harmony with the cycles of nature and open areas. Sally Coulthard, a writer from Britain, argues for the design of Biophilia.

 

1.4 Green Spaces

 

The term’ green spaces’ describes natural places in urban settings, such as parks, public squares, green roofs, cemeteries, and community gardens. They are crucial for encouraging social contact, well-being, and healthy living in urban settings. It offers some environmental, health, social, and economic advantages. Urban biodiversity is enhanced by green areas, which also lessen the impact of pollutants and the urban heat island effect. They also enhance air quality and offer habitat for wildlife. It supports better lives, lowers the risk of non-communicable illnesses, and increases physical activity. They also aid in enhancing mental health and reducing tension and anxiety. It promotes social well-being by creating a venue for social contact, lowering social isolation, and strengthening ties between various groups. They also enhance metropolitan areas' visual appeal and foster a feeling of place. Drawing locals and visitors and encouraging company expansion may strengthen the local economy.  

 

1.5 Trans-species Communication

 

Trans-species communication refers to information sharing between different species through non-verbal communication, such as smells, mannerisms, and visual cues, instead of words.

 

 

1.6 Biodiversity and its conservation

 

Biodiversity is one of the key concepts under Biophilia. The natural world’s ability to satisfy biophilic desires largely depends on the diversity of its flora and fauna within a given ecosystem. Conserving species in their natural habitat while limiting human interference to preserve biodiversity is known as ‘in-situ’ conservation. By keeping genetic variety where it is found—in the wild or traditional farming systems—in-situ conservation is a strategy for protecting biodiversity. It entails preserving living things in their native environments, with a focus on wild and endangered species. Biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and traditional farming systems are the main facets of in-situ conservation (Ahmed, 2013). Areas called ‘biosphere reserves’ are set aside to preserve genetic resources found in wild populations of certain plant and animal species. Plant and animal species can find refuge in national parks and wildlife sanctuary protected areas, guaranteeing their survival and preservation in their native environments. In situ conservation approaches in agriculture can help preserve and enhance native or traditional crop varieties and endangered animals in their natural environments. God has given us a rich variety of species in biodiversity.

 

1.7 Goal of the research

 

The novel is set in rural Appalachia and follows the lives of several characters whose stories are intertwined with the natural world around them. The book takes place in modern rural America, where women are likened to coyotes who take care of their offspring. The human interactions in the book are centered around animal-like rituals and routines, such as mating, raising young, foraging for food, maintaining a home, hunting, and protecting. Kingsolver is a scientist whose prose is full of science, which oozes out of her writing. She knows how to educate painlessly and is patient and discreet. The three main objectives of the research are

           

1.      To investigate how biophilia is portrayed in Barbara Kingsolver’s books and how it affects the characters’ relationships with nature.

2.      To investigate how the biophilia theme influences the novels’ overarching environmental message and the author’s viewpoint on conservation and the interrelationship between people and nature.

3.      To examine how Kingsolver’s use of biophilia influenced her storytelling style and literary devices to illustrate the interdependence of all life systems and the value of protecting the natural environment.

 

Barbara Kingsolver explains all the key concepts of ‘Biophilia,’ one of the eco-literary buzzwords of modern writing. It contains definitions, histories, and development as well as important terminology from Kingsolver’s chosen works, such as trans-species communication, green spaces, biodiversity, and biophilic design, and their vital advantages.

 

2. Literature Review

 

Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Prodigal Summer explores the concept of biophilia, which is the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. The novel is set in rural Appalachia and follows the lives of several characters whose stories are intertwined with the natural world around them. The following literature review examines different perspectives on biophilia in Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour. Erdi argues that wildlife conservation is important; people should protect and conserve the flora and fauna of biodiversity from extinction (Erdi, 2017). A study article by Kouta delves into the usage of bio-narrative tactics in Flight Behaviour, arguing that the book offers narrative interactions outside the human world by adding tales about and starting a conversation with non-human creatures (Kouta, 2022). In a different study, Brendan T. examines Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour from an ecofeminist perspective, considering interactions between people and animals (Hawkins, 2015). Laughlin examines how Barbara Kingsolver uses bio-narrative techniques in her book Prodigal Summer to criticize exploitative institutions, emphasize trans-species communication, and emphasize the biophilic relationship between humans and other animals (Laughlin, 2016). Nur-Aizatul argues for protecting endangered species and carefully conserving them from annihilation (Nur-Aizatul et al., 2017). Dzarul Azwar argues on residents’ attitudes towards street trees and residential gardens as part of the urban green space environment and their conceptions of urban quality of life in selected neighborhood residential areas (Azwar, 2009). Graham deeply argued various studies and research findings that support the idea of biophilia, its benefits, and the spiritual aspects of this connection (Graham, 2018). Modern agricultural practices include monoculture, especially using pesticides like Malathion and Selvin or insecticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and other chemical substances that impact the environment. It leads to the extinction of the species and environment. It will not improve the soil or increase the crop level; it will need more nutrition. Gafar urges insisting on specific environmental impacts, mainly in the land area (Gafar, 2013). Arthi and Bhuvaneswari believe humans are close to nature and benefit from a healthy and sustainable environment (Arthi & Bhuvaneswari, 2023).

 

3. Methodology

 

This study employed a qualitative descriptive methodology. One of the eco-literature terminologies that can be discussed deeply is Biophilia. Secondary sources are collected with relevant terms such as Biodiversity, Conservation, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Green Spaces, and Trans-species Communication. These are the important sources that are available from various websites, libraries, and journals (crucial articles), including all principles and strategies while using figures, tables, and important signs and signals to understand the concept as well as how the writer, Kingsolver in her works, utilizes the concept.

4. Discussions

 

Barbara Kingsolver regularly includes the natural world as a major character in her works. The natural world greatly influences her characters’ lives, and the complex interrelationship between people and the environment is thoroughly examined. Kingsolver’s writings frequently address ecological problems and the effects of human activity on the environment. Her emphasis on identifying and appreciating the value and beauty of the natural world is consistent with biophilia. Kingsolver’s characters frequently go through periods of personal growth and transformation through their connections with nature. The idea of biophilia holds that people are inherently drawn to nature, which is demonstrated by how Kingsolver’s characters find comfort, insight, and inspiration in natural environments. Her art frequently addresses ecofeminist issues and examines how gender and the environment are intertwined.

4.1 Biophilia in both the novels, Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour

 

4.1.1 Healing Nature of Biophilia

 

Alya claimed that Biophilia is the belief that humans’ inherent connection with and dependence on nature leads to healing and positive emotional changes (Alya S. Z. & R. Khrisrachmansyah, 2021). Kingsolver also interferes with this main point in her works, Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour. In Prodigal Summer, Deanna is close to the forest ecosystem and the wild species, coyotes. Lusa is close to her farmland. Nannie also depended on her agricultural land and used it to pursue organic farming. Deanna, Lusa, and Nannie are boastful in resisting chemical substances like Malathion and Selvin. Gafar, Elhag, and Abdelgader are more conscious and aware of their soil land, destroyed by Malathion and Selvin. It will reduce soil nitrogen content by a maximum of 36% and phosphorus by 20%; it also induces negative impacts on the environment (Gafar & et., 2013).

 

In Flight Behaviour, Kingsolver highlights the female character, Dellarobia, who urges the protection of nature and endangered species, monarch butterflies. The protagonist utters, “She closed her eyes and inhaled” (Flight Behaviour, 511), admiring the spring season. Cub Turnbow intense in pursuing himself, Dellarobia is saying, and to preserve the Monarch Butterflies even if it migrated far from place due to climate change, so both desires and interests alter. Dellarobia focused on Monarch Butterflies, also known as King Billies. Ovid Byron is a scientist who visits her house and builds the lab for Monarch Butterflies, which he wants to learn about and its activities. Juliet Emerson, a researcher of Monarch Butterfly who is an assistant professor wandering with the scientist, encourages both Dellarobia and Ovid to view the camera and answer the questions from the media. Professor Ovid Byron is a dynamic scientist who excels in studying monarch butterflies at universities. His persona is linked to studying butterflies and conducting research on natural occurrences.

 

4.1.2 Green Spaces:

 

According to Lin, Egerer, and Ossola, gardens will provide green areas. The Romans were the first to understand the advantages of having rural elements inside a city; the idea of green areas existed in the 19th century. Green areas are good for your mental and physical wellness. Kingsolver creates an environment but ignores several societal ramifications. The heroine, Dellarobia Turnbow, discovers a strange occurrence involving monarch butterflies while living in a remote area of Tennessee. A key component of communicating the effects of climate change and human activity on the environment is the portrayal of gardens and the natural landscape. Flight Behaviour is set in a forest and explores species interdependence and the impact of change on the natural equilibrium. 

 

Once Monarch Butterflies occupy the protagonist’s farmland, it becomes a garden alike, and everyone visits her place: scientists, even the media, and reporters. Tina and her assistants also visit her farm place, which excites everyone. It lets others know about the migration of the species and its extinction due to climate change. The rich natural setting of the Appalachian Mountains, where the book Prodigal Summer is located, is well described, highlighting the intricacy and beauty of the local flora and wildlife. The story’s protagonists have a strong connection with the earth, and their interactions with the garden setting illustrate themes of ecology, nature, and the life cycle. The garden becomes a metaphor for regrowth, rebirth, and the interdependence of all living things, which greatly aids in the novel’s examination of interpersonal interactions in the setting of nature. Prodigal Summer presents opposing viewpoints on how forests are used and implies that comprehension and integration are essential. The narrative is organized according to several points of view on land areas. Lefosse, Timmeren, and Ratti, the critics, stress the importance of human-nature connection in improving the quality of urban life. Humans gain more from biodiversity and have access to fresh air, water, and food in natural environments (Lefosse, 2023).

 

4.1.3 Biophilic Design

 

One well-known name in the biophilic design community is Stephen R. Kellert. Kingsolver’s research explores the interactions between people and the natural environment in line with the ideas of biophilic design. Kellert underlines the need to design with nature to enhance human and planetary well-being (Kellert, 2018). In Prodigal Summer, Deanna lives with the wild species; Coyotes inhabit the woods around Deanna’s cottage and captivate her as a forest ranger. She pays great attention to them and develops a bond of kinship with them. Lusa, a city girl married to a farmer, also appreciates the interdependence of the farm’s flora and animals. Nannie spends her time with the bees and farmland.

 

In Flight Behaviour, nature itself creates a design, more than thousands of Butterflies in one of the Milkweed trees. Dellarobia has the luck of living among Biophilic design near Monarch Butterflies. Dellarobia faces the media and utters that “it’s a beautiful sight” (Flight Behaviour, 503). So, she felt happy and relaxed there. She experienced a distinct sense of peace.

 

4.1.4 Trans-species communication

 

Trans-species communication is consistent with biophilia since it recognizes and cultivates relationships between various species while recognizing their interconnectedness and shared environment. Trans-species communication is the deliberate observation, comprehension, or interaction with other species indicative of a biophilic desire to connect with the natural world. Greater respect for the diversity of life on Earth, ecological awareness, and a sense of well-being can all be fostered by this link. The above-mentioned principles underscore the innate human inclination to form significant connections with the wider ecosystem. Kingsolver has chosen symbolic animals with whom her female protagonists engage in Prodigal Summer with great thought, including the coyote, the monarch butterfly, and the green mamba snake. The coyotes’ language and behaviour make sense to Deanna. Nevertheless, she works nonstop to safeguard a family of coyotes, keeping their whereabouts a secret from hunters. These species reflect the difficulties native species experience due to human interference and the larger environment.

 

Kingsolver suggests that communication between different species can be as intricate and subtle as human communication. For example, she compares the scent signals exchanged by Cole and Lusa to other types of signals. For Lusa, moths and their role in pollination are fascinating. This analogy emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend and honor the linguistic diversity of other organisms within the ecosystem. The sexual multiplication that occurs during the hot and muggy summer highlights the interconnection of human and nonhuman interactions by providing a backdrop against which humans and animals seek out the other sex for comfort and love.

           

“Both the butterflies fell into the road again, very close to where they stood, and for a moment the two insects lay stunned, open-winged. Then the one crawled slowly atop the other and they flopped around a bit… The male began to flap, still linked, trying for lift-off. His helpful wife folded her wings and consented to be dragged ashe pulled their weight a wobbly few feet above the road. (Flight Behaviour, 514).

 

In Flight Behaviour, Dellarobia monitors how Monarch Butterflies behave and is captivated by their presence. The behavior of butterflies inspires her to work with entomologist Ovid Byron on the scientific study of butterflies. Dellarobia learns more about the monarchs and their migratory habits through her interactions with Byron and her observations, which eventually helps her to appreciate how intertwined all living things are in the ecosystem. Pheromones are the primary means of communication for butterflies, just like they are for many other insects. Butterflies use these chemical cues to identify one another and seek mates. Both male and female butterflies use pheromones to communicate. Butterflies can also communicate with one another by making specific movements with their wings or fluttering in patterns. Females frequently flash portions of their wings to show off specific colors and patterns to entice a partner. Certain butterfly species use their wings to produce noises to communicate. Through narrative techniques, the book investigates the idea of trans-species communication by recognizing nonhuman animals as unique individuals and letting them take on roles as main characters and plot points.    

 

4.1.5 Conservation of Biodiversity

 

The selected novels of Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer and Flight Behaviour highlight ‘In-situ Conservation.’ The characters in Prodigal Summer are deeply committed to preserving the natural world around them and developing sustainable farming practices that will protect the land for future generations. For example, Deanna is passionate about protecting the coyotes from hunters, while Lusa works to develop sustainable farming practices that will protect the land for future generations. “Lusa’s concern for the overall environment – including the trees.” (Prodigal Summer, 34) Lusa is more concerned about her ecosystem.

 

“I don’t use pesticides. They kill everything, not just the bugs. The birds, the bees, the earthworms. You can’t just kill part of a system and expect the rest of it to keep working” (Prodigal Summer, 133)

 

Nannie Rawley is older than most, having lived in the Appalachian Mountains her entire life. She is the ‘first certified organic grower’ in Zebulon County. For this reason, she opposes the use of pesticides and is in favour of local marketing. Rawley insisted on having a ‘NO SPRAY ZONE’ established. She was the sworn companion and guardian of all creatures, keeping her pastures unsprayed. In Flight Behaviour, Dellarobia made efforts to protect and preserve their environment. She discovers a valley of monarch butterflies in the southern Appalachian Mountains, which symbolizes the displacement of the butterflies from their established winter habitat in Mexico due to climate change. The butterflies’ presence in the novel also represents the larger implications of climate change and the need for environmental conservation.       Kingsolver explores themes of ecological disruption and the interconnectedness of the natural world, providing a rich backdrop for the novel’s narrative. Her novels emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting the language of other species in the ecosystem and the impact of human behaviour on the natural world. She promotes sustainable practices and addresses environmental challenges to ensure the survival of both native and introduced species.

 

5. Findings

 

Kingsolver emphasizes female characters interacting closely with nature and its species. She ignores the things that will have adverse effects on the environment. Nannie, Deanna, and Lusa are involved in agriculture, work in their field, produce certain crops, look after their domestic animals, and visit animals and birds like coyotes. However, hunters try to hunt these animals, insects, and birds. Nevertheless, these women are fond of protecting the environment and living and non-living things at any time and situation, especially to protect their land from chemical substances, including fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides (Malathion and Selvin), and herbicides. Once Monarch Butterflies migrated to her Southern Appalachian farmland, she spent time with them and watched every movement. She also consults with Byron about it. Both Byron and Dellarobia enjoyed the copulation of the butterflies. The effects of global warming and climate change on both humans and nonhuman animals are highlighted in this book. Kingsolver uses narrative techniques to highlight the connections between humans and nonhuman creatures by incorporating tales about them and starting discussions with them.

 

6. Conclusion

 

Barbara Kingsolver expressed how nature and humans are interdependent. Both female and male characters felt the presence of the environment and its beings and relief from the tension and grief of life in any state. Female characters focus on the preservation of the environment. Deanna, Lusa, Nannie, and Dellarobia know the significance of their land and that it should be led forever. They took the benefits of it and, at the same time, urged to protect it. Kingsolver focuses on male characters, Cole Widener, Garnett Walker, and Ovid Byron, who show pride in utilizing the environment for profit and urge to eradicate it. An entomologist, Byron is interested in learning and researching Monarch Butterfly. Kingsolver uses symbolism to convey meaning and highlight Dellarobia's internal struggle while emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation. Both Cole Widener and Garnett Walker, the main male characters in Kingsolver’s novel, take great satisfaction in exploiting the environment for financial gain and actively pushing for its eradication. Byron is an entomologist eager to learn about and investigate Monarch Butterfly. The novels demonstrate the idea of biophilia by incorporating stories about other creatures and their interactions with humans, initiating conversations with other species, and focusing on the characters’ connections to nature. Kingsolver’s novels highlight the significance of human connections to nature and the need for environmental conservation. The novels illustrate the concept of biophilia by including tales of non-human creatures and their relationships with people, striking up discussions with other species, and emphasizing the protagonists’ ties to the natural world. Kingsolver’s writings emphasize the importance of human relationships with nature and the necessity of environmental protection.

 

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