A REVIEW OF ECOLOGICAL ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY LITERARY STUDIES

Abstract

Over the years, literary writers and critics have contributed immensely on several topical issues of literary values like feminism, postmodernism, classicism, Marxism and so on. But down the ages, issues of environmental concerns are not fully integrated into emergent literary discourses; given that the term eco-criticism may not have been popular before the nineteen century. In recent times, ecological issues have become sensitive to the literary artists. In this article, the role of prose narratives in creating environmental consciousness (eco-conscious) is examined. The article demonstrates how literary writers imagine change in the context of pollution-related crises and collapse. The methodology used is textual and thematic exposition of selected literary masterpieces which are analysed in order to relate them to environmental presence. It is recommended that the study eco narrative be encouraged in our educational institutions. It is superficial that eco-critics lend their voices in protest against ecological injustices in their works.