In depth exploration of the metaphorical construction of the continuity between humans and nature in the poem "Axe Handle" by American ecological poet Gary Snyder. Snyder's poetic imagery integrates ecological philosophical ideas such as Zen, Buddhism, and Native American culture, and in recent years, research has begun to focus on the cognitive science elements in his works. In particular, Sharon Ann Yeager and Deng Yingying respectively interpreted Snyder's collection of essays from the perspectives of cognitive rhetoric and metaphor theory. However, the cognitive research on Snyder's poetic imagery is still blank. This study adopts a combination of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and ecocriticism to systematically analyze the metaphors of human production and life experience in "The Axe Handle", and explores how these metaphors reflect Snyder's examination of the relationship between humans and nature, providing a new perspective for understanding Snyder's poetry.

1、 Human 'wildness': from body to mind

Explored the concept of binary opposition between humans and nature in Western tradition, and demonstrated how to reconstruct the relationship between humans and nature through metaphor through Gary Snyder's collection of poems "Axe Handle". Snyder used non-human elements such as animals and plants as metaphors to redefine the human body and mind, emphasizing the biological attributes of humans and their continuity with nature. For example, in 'Diaper Changing', the baby's toes are compared to peas, highlighting their biological characteristics rather than cultural or racial attributes. In the song 'The Wild Fig of Uluru', the metaphor of the indigenous girl's breasts and mushrooms emphasizes its ecological and life force, rather than a simple sexual symbol. Through the metaphors of sleep and death, "True Night" and "Crossing Texas to the East" further emphasize the natural attributes of human beings and the continuity of life. Snyder's poetry provides a new perspective through these metaphors, closely linking the human body and mind with nature, challenging the traditional notion of separation between humans and nature.

2、 Human and Nature: From the 'Ring' to the 'Net'

In depth exploration of how Gary Snyder constructs the continuity between humans and nature through metaphor in his work 'Axe Handle'. Snyder believed that to resolve the conflict between civilization and nature, it is necessary to recognize that humans are a part of nature, and he views nature as a material world that encompasses all attributes. In "Bowing to Drought," Snyder depicts the close connection between humans and the earth through the metaphor of "planting the ground with both legs," emphasizing humanity's dependence on and gratitude for nature. In 'Looking Back', he used the metaphor of a 'jungle wolf' to describe the work of a forest ranger, showcasing the similarities and continuity between humans and animals.

3、 Conclusion

Snyder constructed the concept of human through metaphor, emphasizing the continuity between humans and nature, and advocating for ecological civilization. He opposes dualism and advocates for harmonious coexistence between humans and all things. In the collection "Axe Handle", Snyder uses metaphors from ancient Chinese culture and the Book of Songs to depict the close connection between humans and nature. His bioregionalism emphasizes the individual's sense of ecological responsibility on the land.