The book highlights several key contributions of ecocriticism to the study of medieval literature:
Nature as a Central Theme: Ecocriticism emphasizes the importance of nature as a central theme in medieval literature, moving beyond its previous role as a silent backdrop. It examines how authors represented and responded to the natural world, revealing the complex interplay between humans and nature.
Comparative Analysis: The approach encourages comparative studies across different genres and regions, such as the Welsh and French literature discussed in the book, offering a broader understanding of medieval attitudes towards nature.
Historical Context: Ecocriticism provides a framework for analyzing the historical context of medieval literature, including the environmental challenges and human interactions with the natural world during that period.
Critical Approaches: It introduces various critical approaches, like ecofeminism, which challenges anthropocentric perspectives and explores the role of gender and power dynamics in medieval literature's portrayal of nature.
Interdisciplinary Connections: The book demonstrates how ecocriticism connects with other disciplines, such as environmental studies and cultural history, enriching the study of medieval literature with a more holistic perspective.