Waste and the Wasters

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Exploring medieval English literature, Eleanor Johnson challenges misconceptions about how people of the time perceived their environment. By analyzing both well-known and obscure texts, she reveals how poets utilized literary devices to address ecological issues despite lacking modern scientific terminology. Johnson highlights historical environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation, drawing parallels to contemporary concerns. Her focus on the concept of "waste" connects medieval and modern perspectives on resource use and environmental responsibility, inviting broader dialogue within the environmental humanities.