Nature as A Living Presence in Gill Lewis' Eagle Warrior: An Eco-Critical Perspective

Ecocriticism is a literary theory that describes an interdisciplinary and environmentally oriented critical approach and examines the relationships between human beings and the natural world. Gill Lewis’ novel Eagle Warrior (2020) explores nature and blends fast-paced adventure with strong environmental themes. The novel portrays nature as an active force rather than a static backdrop. The study explores how Lewis represents the Scottish Highland landscape and the golden eagle as an active agent that destabilizes anthropocentric ideologies, foregrounding nonhuman vitality within the natural world. Putting forth ecocritical theories, the study analyses the novel’s representation of wildlife and eco-centric ethics. The study contends how Eagle Warrior amplifies ecological voices by endowing nonhuman existence with moral and narrative value, positioning the child protagonist as a mediator who connects human society with nature. Ultimately, the novel illustrates how children’s literature serves as an effective medium for fostering environmental awareness and ecological responsibility through a detailed portrayal of natural landscapes.