Harmonious Discord: A Study of Ecological Consciousness in Kiran Desai's Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard

Authors(1) :-Nitisha Kajal

This paper explores the intricate narrative of Kiran Desai's Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard through the lens of ecocriticism, unraveling the ecological consciousness embedded within the text. By juxtaposing the protagonist Sampath Chawla's yearning for a harmonious existence with nature against the backdrop of a society entrenched in anthropocentrism, Desai crafts a compelling critique of modernity's materialistic pursuits. This analysis delves into the dichotomy between the tranquil refuge offered by the natural world and the chaotic dissatisfaction spawned by human-centered ideologies. The novel emerges as a poignant reflection on the necessity for a symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment, challenging the prevailing anthropocentric worldview that prioritizes human needs at the expense of nature's integrity. Through Sampath's journey and the vivid portrayal of the guava orchard as a space of ecological resistance, Desai articulates a critical discourse on environmental degradation and the potential for ecological redemption. This study underscores the importance of fostering ecological awareness and sustainability, advocating for a shift towards more inclusive and respectful interactions with our planet. Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard serves as a narrative catalyst for ecological awakening, emphasizing that genuine contentment and peace are attainable only through a life aligned with the rhythms of the natural world.

Authors and Affiliations

Nitisha Kajal
Masters in English, NET, JRF (English)

Ecocriticism, Kiran Desai, Anthropocentrism, Environmental consciousness, Nature vs. modernity, Ecological sustainability, Harmonious coexistence, Materialism critique, Ecological redemption

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Publication Details

Published in : Volume 10 | Issue 14 | November-December 2023
Date of Publication : 2023-12-24
License:  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Page(s) : 61-66
Manuscript Number : IJSRST52310147
Publisher : Technoscience Academy

Print ISSN : 2395-6011, Online ISSN : 2395-602X

Cite This Article :

Nitisha Kajal, " Harmonious Discord: A Study of Ecological Consciousness in Kiran Desai's Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard", International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology(IJSRST), Print ISSN : 2395-6011, Online ISSN : 2395-602X, Volume 10, Issue 14, pp.61-66, November-December-2023.
Journal URL : https://ijsrst.com/IJSRST52310147
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