This paper explores the generation of the concept of "wilderness" in American literature from the perspective of ecocriticism. The wilderness areas in America have been an important theme in literary creation since the 19th century, carrying reflections on the relationship between the natural environment and human beings. Guided by the theory of ecocriticism, this paper first analyzes the multiple meanings of "wilderness" depicted in American literature, including its portrayal as a pristine state of nature, a symbol of freedom and liberation, and a depiction of the interdependence between humans and nature. Secondly, this paper explores the relevance between the generation of the concept of "wilderness" in American literature and the viewpoints of ecocriticism, indicating that writers focus on the balance and harmony of the natural environment, the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and the interaction between humans and nature. Lastly, this paper proposes further research suggestions on the significance and value of the concept of "wilderness" in American literature from the perspective of ecocriticism, including conducting in-depth analysis of the ecological values portrayed in literary works and exploring the emotional connection between writers and nature. Through this study, we can gain a better understanding of the generation of the concept of "wilderness" in American literature and provide insights into ecological conservation and sustainable development.

Ningjing Jiang. The Connotation of "Wilderness" in American Literature from the Perspective of Ecological Aesthetics. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2023) Vol. 6, Issue 25: 70-75. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2023.062512.

[1] Buell, L. (2005). The Future of Environmental Criticism: Environmental Crisis and Literary Imagination. Wiley-Blackwell.

[2] Rocha, C., & Peterson, A. (Eds.). (2016). Environmental Criticism for the Twenty-First Century. Routledge.

[3] Glotfelty, C., & Fromm, H. (Eds.). (1996). The Ecocriticism Reader: Landmarks in Literary Ecology. University of Georgia Press.

[4] Leopold, A. (1949). A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There. Oxford University Press.

[5] Plumwood, V. (1993). Feminism and the Mastery of Nature. Routledge.

[6] Orr, D. W. (1992). Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern World. State University of New York Press.

[7] Armbruster, K., & Wallace, K. (Eds.). (2001). Beyond Nature Writing: Expanding the Boundaries of Ecocriticism. University of Virginia Press.

[8] Williams, R. (1973). The Country and the City. Oxford University Press.

[9] Cheryan, J., & Clark, T. S. (Eds.). (2006). Ecocritical Explorations in Literary and Cultural Studies: Fences, Boundaries, and Fields. Lexington Books. 

[10] Szeman, I., & Wenzel, J. (Eds.). (2016). Energy Humanities: An Anthology. Johns Hopkins University Press.