An Examination of Ecological Perspectives in Amitav Ghosh's The Hungry Tide

Abstract: Over the past decade, many literary writers have increasingly focused on the previously under explored and dynamic relationship between humans and nature. This evolving interest highlights the significance of ecology and eco-critical approaches in literature. Contemporary writers, such as Amitav Ghosh have incorporated pressing environmental issues into their works, drawing attention to the challenges facing ecosystems today. Ghosh’s novel The Hungry Tide, set in the Sundarbans the Beautiful Forest spans over ten thousand square kilometers and narrates the history of the forced displacement of refugees from the island of Morichjhapi. Central themes in the novel include environmentalism, destabilization, and the complex interplay between human activities and the natural world. In Ghosh’s portrayal, the physical environment is not just a backdrop, but an active force that interlinks plant, animal, and human life, with each element influencing the other in both direct and indirect ways. The purpose of my paper is to offer an ecological analysis and an eco-critical reading of The Hungry Tide, exploring how Ghosh’s narrative challenges the conventional boundaries between humans and nature and underscores the urgency of environmental awareness. Keywords: Ecology, Eco-critical reading, Displacement, Destabilization, Ecosystems, Human impact