Nature is Everywhere : An Ecocritical Reading of Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine

Abstract: This thesis paper illuminates nature and its relationship to the characters in LouiseErdrich’s novel Love Medicine. Now more than ever, there is a need for literatureanalyses that explores nature with a critical lens; it is a need brought forth by thecontemporary world, namely, the global environmental crisis. Nature is both preciousand omnipresent, and some cultures have a deep respect for this simple truth. Such isthe case with some of the Ojibwe people in Love Medicine. This thesis explores theclose relationship with nature evinced by some of the Native American characters inLove Medicine. Moreover, it illustrates the construed idea and portrayal of westernsocieties as destructive and exploitative.