An Ecosocial Climax Model Based on Concepts of Climax Community for Analyzing Communities in Silas Marner to Ensure Protection of Ecosystem

Abstract

In this study, a theoretical model of ecosocial climax is developed to evaluate human community in order to ensure efficient protection of ecosystem. Unlike previous works that emphasize analysis of nature, the present model are based on such ecological concepts as ecological chain and climax to analyze the problems of ecosocial system. The proposed model is used to compare the two ecosystems in George Eliot’s Silas Marner: the ecologically problematic community of Lantern Yard, and the ecologically sustainable community of Raveloe community. The result shows that governed by check and balance, negotiation and concession, morality and mutual contract, and rule of law, Raveloe is a climax community that encourages equality, interaction and exchange, adaptability and tolerance, diversity and wholeness, dynamic stability and sustainable development. It is shown that George Eliot’s ideal society is one of ecological social order with harmonious human relationships formed in humble reconciliation with nature in fear of God so that humans do not pose as threat to the equilibrium of nature. Hopefully, this interdisciplinary research might prove helpful to analysis of social problems in human society to contribute to reconciliation between humans and nature.

Keywords: climax community, ecocriticism, ecofeminism, ecosocial criticism, ecological niche, ecosocial climax