“Ego-trips” versus Ecological Selves: A Deep Ecological Approach to Linda Hogan’s People of the Whale

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 1073 - 1094, 31.08.2025

Nesrin Yavaş

https://doi.org/10.29110/soylemdergi.1693207

Abstract

This study examines Linda Hogan’s People of the Whale (2008) through Arne Naess’s deep ecological philosophy, focusing on its critique of anthropocentrism and advocacy for biocentric egalitarianism. The novel explores the fictional Aatsika people’s profound relationship with the ocean and its creatures, offering a counter-narrative to exploitative environmental practices. By contrasting late capitalist ideologies with a deep ecological worldview, Hogan emphasizes all life forms' interconnectedness and intrinsic value while underscoring the consequences of humanity’s disconnection from nature. Through the journeys of its central characters, the narrative advocates for Self-realization, relational ethics, and ecological harmony, reflecting the core principles of deep ecology. This analysis positions the novel as a significant contribution to ecocritical literature, highlighting its relevance in addressing contemporary environmental crises. By challenging anthropocentric paradigms, Hogan’s work offers a transformative vision for ethical human-nature relationships, providing insights into the urgent need for sustainable and holistic approaches to ecological and cultural renewal.

Keywords

Arne Naess , anthropocentrism , deep ecology , ecocriticism , environmental ethics , Linda Hogan

Ego Yolculuklarından Ekolojik Benliğe: Linda Hogan’ın People of the Whale Romanına Derin Ekoloji Felsefesinden Bakmak

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Linda Hogan’ın People of the Whale (2008) adlı romanını Arne Naess’in derin ekoloji felsefesi ekseninde ele alarak, insanmerkezci yaklaşımlara yönelttiği eleştiriyi ve tüm yaşam biçimlerine eşit değer atfeden biyomerkezci bir etik anlayışı öne çıkarır. Kurgusal Aatsika halkının okyanus ve deniz canlılarıyla kurduğu derin bağ üzerinden Hogan, doğaya yönelik sömürücü yaklaşımlara karşı güçlü bir karşı anlatı sunar. Roman, geç kapitalist ideolojileri derin ekolojik bir bakış açısıyla karşılaştırarak, tüm canlı varlıkların içkin değerine ve doğadaki karşılıklı bağlılığa vurgu yapar; insanın doğadan kopuşunun yol açtığı yıkımı görünür kılar. Ana karakterlerin içsel yolculukları, öz farkındalık, ilişkisel etik ve ekolojik dengeye dayalı bir varoluş biçimini ifade eder; bu yönüyle roman, derin ekolojinin temel ilkelerini edebi düzlemde yansıtır. Çalışma, eseri çevreci edebiyat eleştirisinin çağdaş çevre krizlerine yanıt veren önemli örneklerinden biri olarak konumlandırır. Hogan’ın insanmerkezci paradigmaları sorgulayan anlatısı, insan ve doğa arasındaki ilişkiye dair dönüştürücü, etik temelli bir bakış açısı sunar ve sürdürülebilir, bütüncül bir ekolojik ve kültürel yeniden yapılanmanın gerekliliğine dikkat çeker.

Keywords

insan-merkezcilik , derin ekoloji , çevreci edebiyat eleştirisi , çevre etiği , Linda Hogan

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