Date of Award
12-15-2016
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
English
First Advisor
Pearl McHaney
Second Advisor
John Holman
Third Advisor
Randy Malamud
Abstract
Four Georgia women authors focus on different but equally important components of life: the natural environment of Janisse Ray, relationships in Mary Hood, culture in Tina McElroy Ansa, and sociological history in Melissa Fay Greene. While the focus of the writings by these authors overlap, their various approaches examined together reveal the essential areas where contemporary society has lost its way. All four argue how not to live by pointing out examples of negative actions and the consequences of human carelessness. Through compelling stories, these four authors show us how to preserve and improve our environment, our relationships, our culture, and our history. Ansa, Greene, Hood, and Ray are all from Georgia and write about both Georgia and the world from the perspective of contemporary Georgia. However, these four authors do not defend or deny the atrocities of the South but rather attempt to make reparations through better ideas, improved behavior, and a portrayal of southern places and people that acknowledges the wrongs of present and past and brings healing and growth to humans and to the environment. What unites all four authors is their dual purpose and more importantly a dual positive effect. Readers are entertained, but they are also motivated to act more consciously in their own relationships and in their environments. All four authors promote the theme of nurture and care, often by revealing real people or characters who are careless or who fail to nurture.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/9430016
Recommended Citation
Wall, Rachel G., "Everyday Ecologies in the Writings of Georgia Authors Tina McElroy Ansa, Melissa Fay Greene, Mary Hood, and Janisse Ray." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2016.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/9430016