In "Ecocriticism: The New Critical Idiom" (2004), Greg Garrard explores various motifs that manifest in literature and culture, with pollution being one of the pivotal themes in ecocriticism. Garrard defines pollution as an element that reveals the conflicts between nature and human civilization, highlighting the detrimental effects of industrialization and human activity on the natural world. He sees pollution not just as physical contamination but as a symbolic representation of the disruption of ecological relationships.
In the context of Hayao Miyazaki's film "Princess Mononoke" (1997), the pollution motif is central to portraying the tension between human progress and environmental preservation. Two key examples illustrate this motif effectively:
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The Iron Town and its Industrial Practices: The Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi, embodies industrial advancement and human exploitation of natural resources. The relentless logging and mining operations pollute the surrounding environment and disturb the ecosystem. The smoke and waste produced by the ironworks symbolize the physical pollution that Garrard discusses, manifesting the destructive consequences of unchecked industrialization. This represents Garrard's interpretation of pollution as an extension of human conflict with nature, showing how industrial progress comes at a severe ecological cost. The environment suffers as wildlife is pushed out and forests are decimated, leading to a direct confrontation between the town's inhabitants and the forest spirits who strive to protect nature.
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The Cursed Boar, Nago: Nago, the boar god, becomes a powerful representation of pollution when he is corrupted by the iron-mining practices of humans. After being shot by a bullet that is, in essence, a product of the iron town, he succumbs to rage and disease, becoming a monster that embodies the ecological imbalance created by human actions. This transformation illustrates the intense interplay between pollution and environmental integrity; the once noble creature is rendered a vessel of despair and violence due to the impacts of human industrialization. Garrard's notion of pollution as a symbol of degradation resonates with Nago’s tragic arc, emphasizing the irreversible harms inflicted upon nature as a result of human negligence and greed.
Together, these examples from "Princess Mononoke" align with Garrard’s view of pollution as reflecting broader themes of conflict, destruction, and the urgent need for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural environment. The film not only presents pollution in its physical manifestations but also delves deeply into the moral dilemmas that arise from it, inviting viewers to consider the consequences of their actions on the world around them.