The ecological crisis and its metaphorical embodiment in English-language prose of the second half of the 20th century through the prism of human-wildlife interaction

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the ecological crisis and its metaphorical embodiment in English-language prose of the second half of the 20th century through the prism of interaction between humans and wildlife. In the context of increasing attention to environmental issues, literature is becoming not only a reflection, but also an active participant in public discourse, contributing to the formation of new views on the role of nature in modern human life. The introductory part of the article substantiates the relevance of studying metaphorical images, through which the authors of works of art express anxiety and concern about pressing environmental problems. The article analyzes how artistic means of language help to create an image of wild nature, which is a symbol not only of the beauty and power of nature, but also of its vulnerability in the face of human civilization. The methodological basis of the research is based on an integrated approach that includes elements of comparative and semiotic analysis, as well as an interdisciplinary methodology that combines literary analysis with socio-cultural and environmental concepts. The applied methods made it possible to systematize the characteristic motifs and images repeated in the works of the leading English-speaking authors of the specified period. The results section provides a detailed description of the identified metaphorical structures through which the dialogue between humans and wildlife takes place. It was found out that the metaphor of nature not only reflects the problems of the ecological crisis, but also expresses deep philosophical reflections on the boundaries of human cognition and power over the surrounding world. The discussion of the results highlights that the literary reflection of environmental issues is an important element in shaping public consciousness. The authors of the article conclude that further research in this area is necessary, since art can serve as an effective tool to sharpen attention to environmental problems and stimulate the search for solutions in the context of global environmental changes.