Ecological Metaphors in Saving Fish from Drowning from the Perspective of Ecocriticism

Abstract

Saving Fish from Drowning is a novel by the Chinese-American female writer Amy Tan. With its unique non-linear narrative style, cross-cultural perspective and rich natural descriptions, the novel breaks away from the narrative mode of previous Tan's works which primarily centered on mother-daughter relationships and cultural identity. This article employs ecocriticism theory, focusing on typical elements such as animals, plants and natural landscapes in the work, to deeply explore the ecological metaphors and symbolic meanings contained therein, and reveal the profound ecological connotations. By sorting out the interactive relationship among Western tourists, the Southern tribe and the natural environment, it analyzes the cultural logic behind each group's ecological beliefs and behaviors, prompting readers to reflect on real-world ecological challenges and humanity's ways of living.