Assignment 207 - Contemporary Literatures in English

 Assignment 207 - Contemporary Literatures in English

Academic Information

• Name: Insiyafatema Alvani

• Roll No: 11

• Semester: 4 (Batch 2022-24)

• Paper No: 207

• Paper code: 22414

• Paper name:  Contemporary Literatures in English

• Topic: Echoes of Nature: Exploring Myth and Ecology in 'Gun Island'

• Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi, Department of English, MKBU

• Email Address: insiyafatemaalvani@gmail.com

• Submission Date: 26th April 2024

Echoes of Nature: Exploring Myth and Ecology in 'Gun Island'

Amitav Ghosh: 

Amitav Ghosh, born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, on July 11, 1956, is a celebrated Indian writer known for his richly woven novels that probe the nuances of national and personal identity, especially in the context of India and Southeast Asia. His exceptional literary talent has been acknowledged with the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 2018. Raised as the son of a diplomat, Ghosh experienced a nomadic childhood, residing in various countries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Iran. Despite this transient lifestyle, he remained committed to his academic pursuits, obtaining a B.A. in 1976 and an M.A. in 1978 from the University of Delhi. Concurrently, Ghosh also honed his journalistic skills, working as a newspaper reporter and editor. Continuing his intellectual journey, Ghosh pursued a Ph.D. in social anthropology at the University of Oxford, graduating in 1982. Throughout his educational and professional endeavors, Ghosh's inherent curiosity about human identity and societal dynamics laid the groundwork for his future literary endeavors.

Amitav Ghosh is a renowned author known for crafting captivating stories that transcend geographical and historical boundaries. A recurring theme in his work is climate change, where he meticulously explores its complexities and raises awareness about the vulnerability of our planet. He masterfully blends intricate narratives with meticulously researched facts, ensuring his work is both engaging and thought-provoking.

‘Gun Island’:

Ghosh's 2019 novel, "Gun Island," takes us on a journey with Dinanath Datta (Deen), a rare book dealer from Kolkata, India. Deen, a staunch realist with no time for myths, stumbles upon a legend about a 17th-century merchant named Bonduki Sada-gar (the Gun Merchant). This merchant supposedly fled persecution from Manasa Devi, the mythical snake goddess. Intrigued despite his skepticism, Deen embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the legend. His investigation takes him on a global adventure, from the Sundarbans in West Bengal to Venice, Italy, and even across the Middle East and Africa. Along the way, Deen encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own connection to the Gun Merchant's story. As the narrative unfolds, the lines between myth and reality begin to blur, forcing Deen to confront his own beliefs.‘Gun Island’ promises to be a captivating exploration of history, mythology, and the ever-present threat of climate change, all delivered through Ghosh's masterful storytelling.

What is Climate fiction?

Climate Fiction, also known as cli-fic, was termed by Climate Activist Dan Bloom after reading articles in Scientific American. He noticed that many popular science fiction novels focused on rapid changes in weather. This idea has been around for a while. In 1889, Jules Verne, a Science Fiction novelist, wrote "The Purchase of the North Pole," imagining climate change due to Earth's axis shifting. British writer J.G. Ballard published "The Burning World" in 1964, discussing climate catastrophe due to industrial pollution. John Barnes' "Mother of Storms" (1994) explores the impact of a nuclear explosion releasing clathrate particles from the ocean bed, causing sudden weather changes.

Since the millennium, many writers have explored cli-fic across various literary forms. Urvashi Bahuguna's poetry collection "Terrarium" highlights environmental disasters, while Amruta Patil's graphic novel "Aranyaka: Book of the Forest" portrays humans' fear as they witness their world being destroyed. Samanta Schweblin's horror novella "Fever Dream" addresses environmental issues in Argentina, and Nnedi Okorafor's short story "Spider the Artist" is set in a Nigerian village where robotic spiders protect a damaged pipeline, touching on themes of capitalism, social corruption, and environmental degradation.

Amitav Ghosh: Blending Fiction and Climate Awareness:

The contemporary writers mix the monotonous life of the protagonist with the outside environment to mark the effect of human activities upon the Earth. Pandemic climate changes are the main topic of climate fiction and it is not an easy-talk to depict harsh realities through words. Amitav Ghosh, a prominent Indian writer, steps up to the challenge. Each of Ghosh's works serves as a narrative from the heart of the storm, blending elements of family, history, and science. While his earlier writings primarily focused on human-centered stories, his later works have garnered greater recognition for their exploration of the violent reactions of non-human entities such as rivers, seas, oceans, plants, animals, water, and minerals.

For decades, Amitav Ghosh has crafted remarkable fiction that explores human connections transcending geographical and historical boundaries, all against the backdrop of climate change. His works diligently strive to unravel the complexities of the climate crisis and foster greater awareness about our planet's vulnerability to various climate-related catastrophes. Ghosh employs intricate narrative strategies and presents meticulously researched facts, all while retaining the interest of everyday readers. Themes of travel, diaspora, history, memory, political struggle, communal violence, love, and loss resonate strongly throughout Ghosh's oeuvre. Both his fiction and non-fiction writings possess a transcultural nature, traversing countries, continents, and oceans with ease.

In his debut novel, ‘The Circle of Reason’ (1986), Ghosh follows an Indian protagonist who, suspected of terrorism, flees to northern Africa and the Middle East. His subsequent novel, ‘The Shadow Lines’ (1988), delves into the stories of two families—one Indian, the other English—impacted by the British departure from India in 1947. Both works, originally penned in English, have been widely translated, earning Ghosh an international readership.

Exploring Myth, Legend, and Climate Change in Indian Literature:

The intertwining of myth and legend has always been a fundamental aspect of Ancient Indian History, enriching its culture and heritage. Renowned Indian writers such as Raja Rao, RK Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Sri Aurobindo, Toru Dutt, G V Desani, Anita Nair, Kavita Kane, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni have extensively explored themes of myths, legends, women's roles in society, diaspora, and postmodernism. Their contemporary storytelling captivates readers, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. As time progresses, authors not only incorporate myths, legends, and folklores into their stories but also shed light on the theme of climate change and its catastrophic effects on humanity and the environment. Ecocriticism raises awareness of the interrelationship between humans, plants, animals, and literature, linking cultural analysis to environmental advocacy. In the modern Anthropocene world, narratives are filled with terrifying tales of environmental crises, including depletion of natural resources, escalating pollution, extinction of species, melting polar ice caps, floods, global warming, ozone layer depletion, and their detrimental effects on climate. Recent disasters like the Uttarakhand floods in 2013 and cyclones such as Amphan and Nisarga highlight the consequences of anthropogenic activities and climate change. This surge in environmental degradation narratives reflects the urgent need for action.

The line of distortion leads demons, rakshasas, queens, kings, and Gods, to fly into the cosmos of reality and provides the readers the flavor and color of “Truth”. Like the international reputed author, Anita Desai prefers to concentrate on the issue of truth and reality and feels that,

“Writing is to be a process of discovering the truth – the truth that is nine-tenths of the iceberg that lies submerged beneath the one-tenth visible portion we call reality. Writing is my way of plunging to the depths and exploring this underlying truth.”

‘Gun Island’: A Tale of Myth, Migration and Climate Change:

According to Ians, 'Gun Island’ is a story of travel and migrations, overlaid with myth and  folktales, and the  deepening  crisis of  climate  change”. ‘Gun  Island’  is a story  of travel and  migrations,  overlaid  with myth and  folktales, and the deepening crisis of climate change. It presents an intricately interwoven plot which connects human  and  animal,  past and  present,  natural  and  the supernatural. Climate Change is one of the most important factors that have shaped human history. The climate of an area encompasses seasonal temperature, rainfall averages, and wind patterns. When there is a long-term alteration in these weather patterns, whether localized or global, it is termed as Climate Change. Climate change disrupts weather patterns, making them increasingly unpredictable. This unpredictability poses significant challenges to agricultural communities, as expected temperature and rainfall levels cannot be relied upon for crop cultivation and maintenance. Additionally, climate change is a primary driver of other destructive weather events, including more frequent and intense hurricanes, floods, downpours, droughts, wildfires, and more.

‘Gun Island’ follows the journey of Dinanath Datta (Deen), a rare book dealer with Bangladeshi roots, settled in Brooklyn. Seeking refuge from Brooklyn's harsh winter, Deen visits Kolkata, where he encounters a distant relative who shares an unusual version of a familiar Bengali folklore involving Chand Sadagar, a merchant, and Manasa Devi, the Goddess of snakes. This tale revolves around Manasa Devi's attempts to make Chand Sadagar her devotee and his steadfast refusal to worship her. In the version of the story recounted by his relative, Chand Sadagar is referred to as 'Bonduki Sadagar' or 'the Gun Merchant', launching Deen on a global quest to uncover the origins of this name. This unexpected twist leads Deen to explore an ancient temple hidden in the Sundarbans mangrove swamps. Along his journey, he encounters a series of events that vividly depict the present reality of climate change and its disruptive effects on migratory patterns of both humans and animals.

Novel delves into various forms of migration, from individuals and communities being displaced from their native lands to the significant changes observed in the migratory behaviors of different species. Ghosh illustrates how climate-related catastrophes, such as the cyclone Aila that struck the Sundarbans in 2009, serve as catalysts for these migrations. After Cyclone Alia, the Sundarbans turned into a hub for traffickers due to their worsening condition. Traditionally, the Sundarbans people, reliant on occupations like fishing, lived in harmony with nature. However, with the landscape rapidly changing and frequent natural disasters occurring, their once-familiar surroundings have become unrecognizable. Rivers change course unpredictably, and flooding becomes more common, making life perilous even for skilled fishermen. Consequently, many are forced to leave the Sundarbans. Among those departing are individuals like Tipu and Rafi. Tipu, a tech-savvy migrant facilitator, and Rafi, a young fisherman protecting the temple of Manasa Devi, both feel disconnected from their homeland. Tipu struggles to adapt to the impoverished and superstitious Sundarbans community, having been educated abroad and accustomed to a more affluent lifestyle. Rafi, on the other hand, sees migration as his only path to true freedom, with no ties binding him and the impending loss of his heritage. Throughout ‘Gun Island,’ Amitav Ghosh explores the theme of migration, particularly climate-induced migration, evident in both humans and animals. Creatures like spiders, snakes, dolphins, and shipworms find themselves displaced as changes in temperature and humidity disrupt their natural habitats. Notably, instances such as yellow-bellied snakes appearing on Venice Beach and the spread of venomous brown recluse spiders in Europe illustrate this phenomenon. "Gun Island" serves as a compelling portrayal of climate-induced migrations across species, shedding light on the consequences of shifting climates and warming waters.

Revealing  Environmental Truths through Mythology in 'Gun Island':

In Amitav Ghosh's poignant novel "Gun Island," the intertwining of catastrophic climate events and human migration serves as a powerful backdrop for exploring our shared humanity and the urgent need for collective action. Through vivid depictions of climate-related disasters like Cyclone Aila and the raging wildfires in Los Angeles, Ghosh highlights the devastating consequences of environmental degradation exacerbated by human actions.

The narrative transcends ecological turmoil to encompass the plight of human migrants forced to leave their homes due to the legacies of colonialism, climate change, and the relentless forces of capitalism. The perilous journey of characters like Tipu and Rafi to Europe exemplifies the challenges and dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life, shedding light on the harsh realities of displacement and exploitation. Ghosh's portrayal of the Blue Boat incident off the coast of Italy captures the tension and desperation of climate refugees seeking refuge amidst political controversy and hostility. In the novel Ghosh doesn't confine his characters to a bleak apocalyptic fate; instead, he imbues them with agency and resilience. Deen, Piya, Rafi, Tipu, Cinta, and others traverse countries and oceans, actively seeking to reshape their destinies. Even amidst despair and cruelty, they refuse to remain passive. Instead, they join forces with fellow compassionate individuals, united in their concern for others' well-being. This shared humanity culminates in powerful moments of defiance, such as when the admiral defies orders to aid the Blue Boat migrants, willingly accepting the consequences for his moral stance. Ghosh's portrayal of crises and their fallout fosters alliances that transcend societal and species boundaries. Addressing themes like xenophobia, immigration, climate change, and ecological decline, he presents a narrative where characters are interconnected, fostering mutual awareness and collective action. Though the challenges may seem insurmountable, the characters draw strength from their connections, refusing to succumb to despair. As the crisis deepens, they mobilize, forming alliances and initiating change. Through their journey, they discover new avenues for socio-political engagement, grounded in principles of compassion and responsibility. Ghosh's narrative underscores the transformative power of caring and acting together, offering a hopeful vision for confronting complex global issues like climate change and migration.

Ghosh's poignant ecological message in 'Gun Island' is perfectly encapsulated by the words carved on the floor of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice,

 "Unde origo inde salus" - "From the origin salvation comes."

This powerful quote serves as a resounding call to look to our origins, our fundamental connection with the natural world, as the path towards redemption and healing. Through his vivid tapestry weaving cyclones, fires, and the plight of the displaced, Ghosh urges us to confront the grave environmental crisis wrought by humanity's disregard for the delicate balance of nature. Yet his narrative also echoes with resilience of the earth's self-preserving force and humanity's persevering spirit to fight for our shared planet. 'Gun Island' stands as a monumental work impelling readers to embrace that primordial love for our origins, to unite across borders in collective environmental stewardship, so that in heeding nature's timeless wisdom, we may find the path to our collective salvation.

Mythology in ‘Gun Island’:

In "Gun Island," Amitav Ghosh aims not to demystify the tale of the snake goddess Manasa, but rather to explore the intertextuality of myths connecting Bengal to Italy. He embarks on a quest for forgotten stories, intertwining memory and history within the narrative. His goal is to craft a climate fiction based on the notion of history repeating itself, viewing time as a cyclic phenomenon.

Myths and religion share a common repository of belief systems passed down through generations, often as memories of performance. Hinduism, for instance, incorporates rituals like 'Vrats' and 'Kathas' that carry strong transgenerational memory lines. The central narrative revolves around Dinanath's encounter with Kanai Dutta and the myth of Manasha, the snake goddess. Manasha, revered mostly in rural Bengal, symbolizes human strife and turbulence in the pursuit of goals. Despite references in ancient texts like the Atharva Veda and Mahabharata, Manasha's appeal lies in her accessibility as a 'popular' goddess rather than the high-handed deities of Hinduism.

The relegation of goddesses like Manasa to less modernized areas signifies societal change, with urban Bengal largely forgetting her legend. However, in regions like the Sundarbans, where snakes abound, Manasa remains a revered protector. The myth of Banduki Saudagar also serves as a mythical record of natural disasters, with variations reflecting oral tradition's fluid nature. One variant recounted portrays Saudagar as a victim fleeing his homeland due to Manasa's wrath, aligning with the traditional Manasa myth. Conversely, another version emphasizes natural calamities and their impact, rooted in the locality's history. Ghosh weaves these myths, memories, and environmental concerns into a climate fiction exploring the cyclical nature of history. Deen and Piya, both migrants seeking livelihood, are guided through life's challenges by two influential figures: Deen by his old friend Cinta, and Piya by Tipu, son of Fokir, whom she has taken under her wing since Fokir's passing. Cinta's dreams and Tipu's clairvoyance add a magical dimension to the novel's eco-political discourse on animal and human migration. Deen encounters Piya at Nilima Bose's home, where she recounts the story of the Manasa shrine in the Sundarbans.

Ghosh's fascination with the Sundarbans is evident, mirroring the shifting mud-flats of the Bengal delta and emphasizing contemporary life's upheavals. Nilima's encounter with the shrine, following a devastating cyclone, illustrates the intertwined nature of myths and religion in Indian culture. The myth of the Bonduki Saudagar, linked to the temple of Manasa Devi, transcends religious boundaries, embraced by Hindus and Muslims alike. As the narrative unfolds, Cinta's presence introduces telepathy and alternative realms of belonging. Cinta's recollection of a 'jatra' performance based on the Manasa legend prompts a discussion with Deen about religion's subtleties and mysteries. Cinta challenges Deen's dismissal of religious phenomena as superstition, citing historical instances of precognition and intuitive knowledge. Ghosh uses this chapter to establish the novel's thematic framework, weaving together myth, history, foreknowledge, and environmental consciousness.

Mythology and religion come together to give the story a prophetic feel - a common trait of Anthropocene literature. The movement of dolphins, their beaching, the spider in Cinta's apartment, and yellow-bellied snakes on New York beaches are mentioned alongside Bangladeshi migrants in Venice. The story centers around the idea of flight—the strong urge to leave one's home for a better life or to avoid being treated as an outsider. This is seen in the Sundarbans migrants fleeing the sea to escape unemployment and the Banduki Saudagar escaping Manasha's anger. Ghosh moves away from traditional beliefs in religion and myth to promote the idea of "dharma," which values all life.

Clash Between Rationality and Mythic Forces in novel:

In Amitav Ghosh's novel "Gun Island," the protagonist Deen's steadfast rationality is repeatedly challenged by the resurgence of ancient myths and oral legends. Central to the narrative is the Bengali myth of the snake goddess Manasa Devi and the tale of the Gun Merchant who arrogantly disregarded her power, only to face dire consequences. While Deen initially dismisses such folklore as "superstitious mumbo-jumbo," his encounters with these stories begin to unsettle his rational worldview. He finds himself inexplicably drawn to the supernatural elements, despite his efforts to cling to the comforts of chance and coincidence.

The ancient legends represent a time when humanity was deeply intertwined with the natural world, a period before rationality and civilization distanced humans from their "animal selves." These stories gave agency to nature and acknowledged its profound influence over human life. As Deen unravels the mystery behind the Gun Merchant legend, he is forced to confront the possibility that it may not be mere fiction but rooted in actual events. The realization that the story celebrates the formidable power of nature, embodied by Manasa Devi, shakes the foundations of Deen's rational certainties. Ghosh's exploration of Deen's internal conflict mirrors the broader societal rift between human rationality and the mythic forces of nature. Through this narrative, Ghosh invites readers to reckon with the consequences of humanity's arrogance in disregarding the profound interconnectedness with the natural world, echoing the cautionary tale of the Gun Merchant.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Amitav Ghosh's 'Gun Island' masterfully blends ancient mythology with contemporary themes of climate change, delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Through the lens of the Bengali snake goddess Manasa Devi and the saga of the Gun Merchant, Ghosh deftly explores humanity's complex relationship with the environment, highlighting the urgent need for collective action in the face of ecological crisis. The novel serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the profound impact of our actions on the natural world. Through his deft interweaving of mythology and contemporary concerns, Amitav Ghosh has solidified his position as a literary voice at the forefront of the climate change discourse. Ultimately, 'Gun Island' is not just a work of fiction; it is a call to arms, urging us to reevaluate our attitudes towards nature and embrace a more harmonious relationship with the planet. Through its rich tapestry of mythology, folklore, and environmental commentary, 

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Works Cited:

Felici, Marica. “"Gun Island": When a Climate Novel Speaks to Our Sense of Humanity.” By Arcadia, 28 January 2022, https://www.byarcadia.org/post/gun-island-when-a-climate-novel-speaks-to-our-sense-of-humanity. Accessed 26 April 2024.

Francis, Ashna. “(PDF) Gun Island: A Tale of Myth, Migration and Climate Change.” ResearchGate, September 2021, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354938252_Gun_Island_A_Tale_of_Myth_Migration_and_Climate_Change. Accessed 26 April 2024.

Gnanambigai, Sathiya S. “CLIMATE FLUCTUATIONS, DECAMPMENT AND SUBJUGATION IN AMITAV GHOSH’S GUN ISLAND: A CLIMATE FICTION.” INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCHES IN BIOSCIENCES, AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, 9 November 2017, https://ijrbat.in/upload_papers/1708202110191340.%20S.%20Sathiya%20Gnanambigai,.pdf. Accessed 26 April 2024.

Mondo, Costanza. “Man in the Anthropocene and His Transformation: An Ecocritical Reading of Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh.” Academia.edu, December 2022, https://www.academia.edu/94466306/Man_in_the_Anthropocene_and_His_Transformation_An_Ecocritical_Reading_of_Gun_Island_by_Amitav_Ghosh. Accessed 26 April 2024.

Sarkhel, Sutanuka. “A Nexus between Myths, Legends, Climate Change, and an Ecocritical Reading in Amitav Ghosh's Gun Island and The Hungry Tide.” IJCRT.org, 4 April 2022, https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2204425.pdf. Accessed 26 April 2024.