The Role of Metamodern Dispositions in Environmental Resolution: An Ecocritical Analysis of the Series Reacher
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/v-ii.358Keywords:
Metamodernism, Ecocriticism, Pragmatic Idealism, Environmental ConservationAbstract
Environmental decline poses a growing threat to the sustainability of life worldwide. Within the metamodern framework, popular media plays a significant role in shaping and reflecting discourses on environmental issues. Reacher is one of the famous drama series based on Lee Child’s novel, exploring themes of mystery, thriller, and suspense. It also explores the theme of environmental degradation in the metamodern era. While previous research has examined the series through the lens of individual agency, there is limited research analyzing it through frameworks of metamodernism and ecocriticism. Thereby, using Catherine Belsey’s method of textual analysis under the broader umbrella of metamodernism and ecocriticism, the current study aims to qualitatively examine the interaction of ecocriticism with metamodernism by exploring the role of metamodernist dispositions of the protagonist towards resolution of environmental issues in the series Jack Reacher. The findings of this study suggest that the interaction of metamodernism with ecocriticism occurs through the protagonist’s emotional ambivalence and pragmatic idealism in response to toxic discourse and environmental injustice, ultimately promoting environmental conservation and ecological responsibility. This gives rise to a new ecocritical perspective termed “Metamodern Ecocriticism”.
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