Question
Does Fire on the Mountain consist of any ecocriticism? Explain in detail any scenes in which this takes place.
Answer
Anita Desai’s novel “Fire on the Mountain” is rich with ecocritical elements, as it intricately weaves the natural landscape into the narrative, serving as more than just a backdrop but as a significant component of the story. The novel is set in Carignano, a place that is not only a setting but a life-place that deeply influences the characters and their interactions with the environment.
Nature as a Platial Setting
The novel’s setting in Carignano is crucial in establishing the ecocritical framework. The environment is portrayed as a life-place, a concept that emphasizes the interdependence between the characters and their surroundings. This relationship is central to the narrative, as it shapes the characters’ experiences and perspectives. The natural landscape is not merely a passive setting but actively influences the characters’ mindscapes and ecological visions (Samkaria, 2022).
Interdependence of Organisms and Environment
Desai’s narrative highlights the interdependence between human and nonhuman organisms and their environment. This is evident in how the characters interact with the natural world around them, reflecting a deep relationality that underscores the ecological themes of the novel. The environment in “Fire on the Mountain” is depicted as a dynamic entity that affects the characters’ lives and decisions, illustrating the profound connection between humans and nature (Samkaria, 2022).
In summary, “Fire on the Mountain” employs ecocriticism by using the natural landscape of Carignano as a vital element that shapes the narrative and the characters’ ecological consciousness. The novel explores the intricate relationship between humans and their environment, emphasizing the interdependence and relationality that define their existence.
References
Samkaria, A., 2022. An Engagement with Life-Place Entanglements: An Ecocritical Reading of Anita Desai’s Fire on the Mountain. transcript: An e-Journal of Literary and Cultural Studies. https://doi.org/10.53034/transcript.2022.v02.n02.002
Branch, M. and O’Grady, S. (1994) Defining ecocritical theory and practice. Available at: http://www.asle.org/wp-content/uploads/ASLE_Primer_DefiningEcocrit.pdf (Accessed: 12 July 2016).
Desai, A. (2001) Fire on the mountain. London: Vintage.
Sabar, N. (2014) Ecocritical readings: a study of ‘Fire on the mountain’ and ‘Where shall we go this summer?’ Available at: http://ijellh.com/papers/2014/August/22-226-236-August-2014.pdf (Accessed: 12 July 2016).
Shyamala, C.G. (2011) Nature and ecocriticism in ‘Cry, The Peacock’ and ‘Fire on the Mountain’. Available at: http://www.the-criterion.com/V2/n3/Shyamala.pdf (Accessed: 12 July 2016).
