On Nature, Culture, and Mahasweta Devi’s “Arjun”
摘要
This chapter explores the complex relationship between nature and culture in Mahasweta Devi’s story “Arjun.” It highlights the exploitation of tribal communities and environmental degradation orchestrated by corrupt political figures. Through an analysis of the characters Bishal Mahata and Ram Halder, the story exposes the systemic oppression faced by the Shabar tribe, emphasizing their struggles against manipulation and coercion. This chapter also contrasts deep ecology, which advocates for a profound connection between humans and nature, with shallow ecology, which prioritizes human interests above environmental concerns. The tribal characters, through their collective resistance, illustrate the importance of cultural heritage and the sacredness of nature, symbolized by the Arjun tree. This study stresses the importance of reassessing the anthropocentric worldview that fuels exploitation and environmental crises and advocates for a deeper understanding of how literature can influence our environmental consciousness and ethical responsibilities to nature and marginalized communities.