عبدالمحمد موحد

Ecofeminism as an interdisciplinary perspective involving literature and environment seeks to explore all kinds of relationships between women and nature. It also perceives an interconnection between the domination of women and nature by the superior masculine and the negative effects of this exploitation. Gramsci's ideology of hegemony and the role of intellectuals also explain the ways rulers can govern people by imposing their thoughts and ideologies on them and how each individual as an intellectual can stand against false hegemonies in order to change them. Using major woks written on ecofeminism and Gramsci's hegemony, the present thesis analyzes the relationship between women and nature and the impact of hegemonies and intellectuals on society in Sheri S. Tepper's novels Grass and The Gate to Women’s Country. The study of the relationship between the subalterns and the intellectuals is a very good means which can clarify the path through which women can achieve personal growth and be the transformers of harmful hegemonies. To reach this aim, first the theories and their typical concepts are introduced, then it is tried to find evidences to show the connections among patriarchy, women as subordinates, nature, and women as intellectuals. In both novels women are under explicit or implicit control of men, and the order of environment is also disturbed by men. However, women's caring behaviors towards nature, and their attempt to save it are proofs of their close connection to nature and their kindness. Being aware of women's issues and observing the environmental disasters caused by men have helped some intellectual women like Morgot and Marjorie to know the negative impact of hegemonies established by men and succeed in stopping or dampening them in order to construct a more peaceful society.