Humans versus Nature: An Ecophobic Study of Vasconcelos’ “The Boar Hunt”

Abstract

This paper examines the short story The Boar Hunt by Mexican writer and philosopher José Vasconcelos through the lens of Simon C. Estok’s concept of ecophobia. The study analyzes the ways in which the characters in the story demonstrate hostility toward the natural world and explores the underlying factors contributing to this animosity. Additionally, it examines the consequences of this irrational hatred and how it ultimately affects the characters themselves. The analysis concludes that the characters’ inclination to exploit nature is a clear manifestation of ecophobia. Their behavior—engaging in the hunting and killing of boars for mere personal pleasure—emerges from a deep-rooted perception of nature as hostile, untamed, and dangerous. This adversarial outlook fuels ecophobic tendencies, prompting the characters to exploit the natural world without considering the potential repercussions. Moreover, the study reveals that such exploitative mindsets ultimately result in harmful consequences for the characters themselves. The violent retaliation by nature, symbolized by the boars' counterattack, serves as a powerful reminder of the risks involved in viewing nature solely as a resource to be dominated. The findings underscore the urgent need to re-evaluate human attitudes toward the environment. By shifting from exploitation to coexistence, humanity can begin to reverse the damage inflicted on the environment and move toward a more sustainable and balanced future.