Exploring the Bond between Man and Nature in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide

Abstract

The study of the inexplicable bond between the nature and human is analyzed in literature by new terminology -“Eco criticism’’. Eco-critical theory emphasizes the significance of not just the human beings but also the physical environment as represented in literature. In 21st century the theory of eco-criticism displays a growing awareness of environmental issues. At present, environmental degradation has emerged as a major global concern for humanity. Global warming coupled with carbon emission is one of the reasons for environmental degradation. If the adverse impact of ecological degradation is not checked immediately our modern civilization will collapsed. Jnanpith award winner Amitav Ghosh in his novel The Hungry Tide writes about nature, people and environmental problems along with the climate change in the tidal area of the Sundarbans. That’s why I have selected The Hungry Tide as my case study to explore the bond between man and nature. This paper will show how nature is being affected by human activities due to lack of awareness about the conservation of nature. How nature and human beings have been depicted in The Hungry Tide - as protector or as destroyer to each other? At the same time, I have attempted to point out what is the role of human being towards nature in maintaining harmony between man and nature, survival of humanity and conservation of nature in the era of globalization.