Ecocriticism

Thinking Activity

This blog is a response to a thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad from the Department of English at MKBU, exploring Ecocriticism, its emergence, and application in literary texts.

What is Ecocriticism?

             The representation of the natural environment in literature has been present since the beginning of literary records. For example, the idealized portrayal of the Eden Garden represents a simplistic and harmonious rural life that contrasts with complex urban societies. The genre of nature writing, involving intimate and realistic descriptions of the natural environment, began with works like Gilbert White's 'Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne' (1789) in England and William Bertram’s 'Travels through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida' (1791) in America. However, as urbanization and industrialization posed threats to the environment in the mid-nineteenth century, writers like Thoreau drew attention to these environmental concerns.

The Emergence of Ecocriticism:

          The term "Ecocriticism" was coined in the late 1970s by combining "criticism" with a shortened form of "ecology." It involves critical writings that explore the connections between literature and the biological and physical environment, with an acute awareness of the environmental damage caused by human activities. Notable works like Aldo Leopold’s 'A Sand County Almanac' (1949) and Rachel Carson’s 'Silent Spring' (1962) drew attention to environmental degradation. By the end of the century, widespread concern about the environmental crisis led to the inauguration of Ecocriticism as a movement.

Ecocritics don't adhere to a singular theoretical perspective or approach. Instead, their explorations of environmental literature showcase a diverse range of traditional, poststructural, and postcolonial viewpoints and analytical methods. Amidst this diversity, certain issues and concerns consistently emerge, Like,

1. Critics argue that Western religions and philosophies are deeply anthropocentric, influenced by biblical views giving humans dominion over the Earth. The alternative proposed is "deep ecology," emphasizing the value of all living things and their environment.

2. Ecocriticism critiques binaries such as man/nature or culture/nature, emphasizing their interconnectedness. In literature, it challenges the idea of man versus nature, recognizing the influence of culture on our perception of nature.

3. Ecocritics advocate for the extension of "green reading" to all literary genres, analyzing texts for their environmental implications and political action.

4. Ecocriticism analyzes differences in attitudes toward the environment based on a writer’s race, ethnicity, social class, and gender. Ecofeminism explores the role of women in fantasies of the natural environment by male authors and studies feminine conceptions of the environment in works by female authors.

5. There is a growing interest in animistic religions of so-called "primitive" cultures and non-Western civilizations that lack the opposition between humanity and nature found in Western thought. Native American traditions, emphasizing the sacredness of nature and living in harmony with it, are particularly focused on in the U.S.

Ecocriticism encompasses a diverse range of perspectives and modes of analysis, contributing to a broader understanding of the relationship between literature and the environment.

What critics do?

1. They re-read important literary works from eco-centric perspective, focusing on how nature is portrayed.

2. They use ecological ideas like growth, balance, and sustainable use of resources in ways that go beyond just nature.

3. They give extra attention to writers who talk a lot about nature, like the American transcendentalists or British Romantics.

4. They include different kinds of writing, like essays, travel stories, and regional literature, in literary analysis.

5. They move away from theories that focus on language and social construction and instead highlight values like careful observation, shared ethical responsibility, and considering things beyond ourselves.

Now let's try to apply these concept in 'Hard Times' and 'Sherni'

Hard Times

Charles Dickens's "Hard Times" can be considered from an ecocritical perspective, although it's more commonly examined through other critical lenses like social criticism or industrial criticism. Nevertheless, the novel does contain elements that intersect with ecological themes.

"Hard Times" is set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution and portrays the harsh realities of life in a rapidly industrializing society. While the primary focus is on the social and economic consequences of industrialization.

 The novel depicts the grim environmental consequences of unchecked industrialization. The polluted air, the desolate landscapes, and the degradation of the natural environment are implicit in Dickens's portrayal of Coketown. The novel indirectly explores the strained relationship between humans and nature in an industrialized setting. The emphasis on utilitarianism and the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of the environment reflects a disconnection from nature.

     The deteriorating health of the characters, such as Stephen Blackpool, can be linked to the environmental conditions prevalent in an industrial society. The poor air and water quality contribute to the physical and mental well-being of the characters.

While "Hard Times" might not be a central text in ecocritical discussions, it offers a glimpse into the environmental consequences of rapid industrialization during the Victorian era. An ecocritical reading could delve into how Dickens uses the environment as a backdrop to emphasize the dehumanizing effects of unchecked industrial progress. though it in terms of human relations but re reading this takes us to the ecological concerns. The name of the town is Cocktown which is polluted. 

Sherni

"Sherni" is a Hindi-language film that was released in 2021 and directed by Amit Masurkar. The film features Vidya Balan in the lead role and revolves around the theme of human-wildlife conflict in the context of a female forest officer's efforts to address the issue of a tigress on the loose in a village.

From an ecocritical perspective, "Sherni" provides an opportunity to explore the complex relationships between humans and the environment, particularly the impact of human activities on wildlife habitats. Here are some ecocritical aspects to consider in relation to the movie:

The film explores the conflict between human interests and wildlife conservation, especially in areas where human and animal habitats overlap. This reflects broader ecological issues arising from urbanization, deforestation, and encroachment into natural habitats. The narrative involves the challenges faced by a female forest officer in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and societal expectations to address the issue of the tigress. This can be analyzed through an ecocritical lens in terms of the systemic obstacles to effective conservation efforts.

 The film might touch upon the ecological consequences of developmental activities, such as infrastructure projects and human settlements, on the natural environment. Ecocriticism often examines how these activities disrupt ecosystems and impact flora and fauna.

The tigress in the movie can be seen as a symbolic representation of the wider environmental challenges faced by wildlife due to human actions. It could represent the broader issue of endangered species and the need for conservation efforts. "Sherni" may also delve into cultural attitudes towards nature and wildlife. Ecocriticism often considers how cultural beliefs and practices influence human interactions with the environment.

An ecocritical analysis of "Sherni" would involve examining how the film portrays and comments on the relationship between humans and the environment, the ethical considerations related to conservation, and the broader ecological implications of human activities. It's an opportunity to explore how popular media engages with environmental themes and raises awareness about ecological issues.

To sum up, ecocriticism tries to focus on the environmental issues that has damaged the natural resources and its solutions.

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