An Affective Ecocritical Approach to Carl Safina’s Marine Narratives: Song for the Blue Ocean, Voyage of the Turtle, and A Sea in Flames

Abstract

Since its inception, the study of literature and the environment has focused on the key connection between nature, emotions, and narratives, particularly how environmental narratives evoke feelings about the natural world. Affective ecocriticism, within the broader field of ecocriticism, studies the impact of emotions in environmental narratives. This thesis undertakes a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationship between human emotions, marine narratives, and man’s engagement with the natural world, particularly focusing on how emotions, as elicited by narratives, shape humans’ understanding of the environment. Central to this exploration are Carl Safina’s marine narratives Song for the Blue Ocean (1999) Voyage of the Turtle (2006), and A Sea in Flames (2011), which provide rich portrayals of the marine environment and human-nature interactions. Through Safina’s lens, this thesis delves into the concept of affective ecologies, emphasizing the emotional resonance of environmental narratives and their potential to influence attitudes and behaviors toward conservation. Drawing upon affect studies within the field of ecocriticism, this thesis undertakes a detailed approach to dissect Safina’s narratives, examining how emotions are intricately woven with marine narratives, shaping readers’ perceptions and fostering a deeper connection to nature. Through this exploration, this thesis aims to highlight the transformative power of American environmental and affective narratives in raising awareness and catalyzing action towards environmental conservation.