Representation of ecological issues through satire in Winston Groom’s Gump & Co.
An ecocritical study
Keywords:
ecocriticism; satire; environmental degradation; literary analysis; Gump & co.,Abstract
This paper explores the depiction of the ecological crisis through satire in Winston Groom's Gump & Co., from an ecocritical perspective. The purpose of the present research is to trace and understand different types of ecological criticism inherent in the satirical narration in the novel. This research employs the technique of qualitative textual analysis of specific events in the story, dialogue, and points of view connected with human-environment relationships. It was found that satire is an effective narrative technique that raises awareness of environmental problems such as over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and commodification of nature, as well as socioecological consequences of losing biodiversity. Unlike in films where negative human activities are made to appear normal, they are depicted as clearly unreasonable and unethical in the novel. According to the results obtained, the use of satire in the novel significantly contributes to the formation of ecological consciousness as readers are given opportunity to reconsider their attitude towards nature without obligatory moral preaching. Thus, the research proves that popular literary works can to take part in environmental debate through depicting ecological problems in a simplified way.References
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