Healing in Nature: Ecopsychology in Richard Powers' The Overstory (2018) and Bewilderment

Abstract

Richard Powers' novels, The Overstory (2018) and Bewilderment (2021), explore the psychological impacts of ecological degradation and restoration. The Overstory interweaves the lives of nine different characters brought together by their deep connection to trees and their collective efforts to combat deforestation. Bewilderment follows the journey of a father and his young son as they navigate the complexities of grief and environmental degredation, finding solace and understanding in their relationship with the natural world. Both novels emphasize the symbiotic connection between humans and nature, highlighting the restorative power of natural engagement and the detrimental effects of environmental loss. This thesis situates itself at the intersection of ecopsychology and biophilia, aiming to examine how Powers’ portrayal of nature-human interactions reflects broader concerns about environmental crises and mental health. By integrating perspectives from ecopsychology, it hopes to illuminate the innate human affinity for the natural world and the psychological ramifications of its devastation. Furthermore, by analyzing the biophilic tendencies of Powers’ characters and their psychological evolution within ecologically degraded landscapes, this thesis seeks to contribute to the growing discourse on the imperative for environmental stewardship and mental health awareness.

Richard Powers' novels, The Overstory (2018) and Bewilderment (2021), explore the psychological impacts of ecological degradation and restoration. The Overstory interweaves the lives of nine different characters brought together by their deep connection to trees and their collective efforts to combat deforestation. Bewilderment follows the journey of a father and his young son as they navigate the complexities of grief and environmental degredation, finding solace and understanding in their relationship with the natural world. Both novels emphasize the symbiotic connection between humans and nature, highlighting the restorative power of natural engagement and the detrimental effects of environmental loss. This thesis situates itself at the intersection of ecopsychology and biophilia, aiming to examine how Powers’ portrayal of nature-human interactions reflects broader concerns about environmental crises and mental health. By integrating perspectives from ecopsychology, it hopes to illuminate the innate human affinity for the natural world and the psychological ramifications of its devastation. Furthermore, by analyzing the biophilic tendencies of Powers’ characters and their psychological evolution within ecologically degraded landscapes, this thesis seeks to contribute to the growing discourse on the imperative for environmental stewardship and mental health awareness.