Ecocide Is Dying World: An Ecocritical Study in Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa

Proceedings of The 7th International Conference on Research in Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2023

DOI:

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Ecocide Is Dying World: An Ecocritical Study in Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa

Sumaira Mir

 

 

 

ABSTRACT: 

Ecocriticism is a theoretical approach that seeks to explore the relationship between literature and the environment. In Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel “Ice Candy Man,” the author uses a personal and political narrative, weaving together the experiences of different characters in the context of India’s partition in 1947. The novel portrays the social and political upheaval of the time, highlighting the ways in which human actions can impact the natural world. Ecocritical readings of “Ice Candy Man” reveal the complex ways in which the novel engages with environmental issues. The novel portrays the destruction of natural habitats and wildlife as a result of human conflict and displacement, highlighting the impact of colonialism on the environment. The novel also draws attention to the ways in which gender and class intersect with environmental issues, revealing the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits. Furthermore, the novel employs various literary techniques to create a sense of environmental consciousness among its readers. The novel uses sensory descriptions of natural settings and wildlife to establish a connection between the characters and the environment. Using metaphors and symbolism also highlights the interconnectedness of human beings and the environment. “Ice Candy Man” offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the environment, showing how environmental issues are intertwined with social and political concerns. Through its complex portrayal of the impact of human actions on the natural world, the novel provides an important contribution to ecocritical theory.

keywords: Ecocriticism, Environmental Issues, Ice Candy Man, Bapsi Sidhwa