ECOLOGICAL ECHOES: THE ENVIRONMENTALNARRATIVE IN RICHARD POWERS’ BEWILDERMENT
Keywords:
Anthropocentrism, Bewilderment, Ecocriticism, Environmental Degradation, Remedies, Richard PowersAbstract
The earth, as the foundation of all forms of life, provides essential resources such as air, water, food, and shelter etc. However, the anthropogenic activities are badly devastating it and leading to severe environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Hence, the current study is a wake-up call for the inhabitants of the earth. It, employing a qualitative research paradigm that is analytical, interpretive, and deductive, intends to unpack the environmental narrative in Richard Powers’ Bewilderment. Grounded in the ecocritical frameworks of Glotfelty and Ghosh, the findings highlight how the anthropocentric behaviors exacerbate environmental crises, including global warming, pollution, biodiversity crisis, ecological injustice, climate-related health diseases, and ecological displacement. The study advocates for confronting these anthropocentric behaviors by fostering sustainable practices. Key recommendations include rejecting militarism and violence, utilizing art for environment’s sake, reforming education to instill an eco-centric worldview, advancing environmental scientific research, restructuring socio-economic and political systems, implementing legal protections for non-human rights, holding committers of environmental crimes accountable, and establishing eco-friendly policies and diplomacy. The study is a crucial resource for future researchers and policymakers dedicated to safeguarding the earth from further devastation and restoring it to its pristine condition.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ghulam Mohiuddin, Samina Yasmin, Zainab Mukhtar (Author)
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