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Among contemporary Taiwanese nature writers, many are known for their writing on animals, which ranged from eagles and birds to flying fish, whales, and dolphins. They also continue to speak and advocate for animal rights and environmental justice. Two of these writers are Wu Ming-Yi and Du Hong, who both have a focus on butterflies. Wu Ming-Yi's writing began with Chroniques de papillons égarés and Le Tao des papillons. In the same period, Du Hong, who is a nature writer in southern Taiwan, has devoted herself to the research and conservation of butterflies for more than 20 years. Both writers have a PhD degree with divergent trajectories. As a doctor of literature, Wu Ming-Yi entered into the field of nature, whereas Du Hong being a doctor of science entered into the field of literature. Therefore, their contrasting cross-disciplinary experience yet common social practice of nature writing are of comparative value. The main focus of this thesis is "natural writing on butterflies". As for the scope of the study, butterfly writing in Wu Ming-Yi's Chroniques de papillons égarés and Le Tao des papillons as well as Du Hong's Butterfly Forest will be explored. Based on textual analysis, this research employs a comparative approach and aims to accomplish the following objectives: First of all, review the development of Taiwan's natural writing, especially Wu Ming-Yi's and Du Hong's works; Secondly, analyze how the two writers perceives environmental ethics and examine the characteristics of their natural writing; Thirdly, compare the characteristics and performance of butterfly writing by the two writers and summarize their similarities and differences. Finally, interpret the literary meanings of Wu Ming-Yi and Du Hong's nature writing, and evaluate their social actions and influences. The study found that Wu Ming-Yi's and Du Hong's butterfly writings have their own voices and styles in their experiences in the field, the field of vision, and literature works. Both writers use nature education, nature activities and nature writings to develop community care and initiate action.
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