Ecofeminism, Trauma, and Visual Metamorphosis in Una’s <em>Becoming Unbecoming </em>

This paper applies an ecofeminist lens to Una’s Becoming Unbecoming (2015), a graphic memoir that addresses sexual trauma and gender violence. While much of the existing scholarship has examined the text through trauma studies, this analysis focuses on how nature-related imagery—particularly trees, hills, and landscapes—serves not only as a metaphor for trauma but also as a means of recovery and healing. By drawing on ecofeminism, this paper explores the deep connections between the protagonist’s internal struggles embodied through natural imagery in reaction to society's complacency toward gender violence. Tree imagery is central to the memoir, reflecting both the weight of trauma and the potential for resilience and growth. Hills and landscapes further depict emotional turmoil and the uphill battle of overcoming shame and grief. Additionally, the recurring presence of natural imagery in Una’s nightmares illustrates how deeply trauma is embedded in her psyche. By incorporating ecofeminism with the embodied, transformative power of graphic storytelling, the paper offers a fresh perspective on Becoming Unbecoming, emphasizing how the natural world is not only a backdrop for the narrative but a key player in the process of healing.