COLONIAL LEGACIES AND ECOFEMINIST RESISTANCE IN ABDULRAZAK GURNAH’S NOVELS

Abstract

Colonial exploitations, wars, deforestation, and socioeconomic destitution of many of the world’s women challenge all who hope for a more humane world. Increased violence during colonial and post-colonial third-world countries, ecological crises, and gender concerns draw the attention of some recent academics. Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Tanzanian-born author, is known for his insightful exploration of post-colonial themes and his focus on the experiences of marginalized individuals. Gurnah aims to give these marginalized groups a voice and reevaluate historical events and cultural productions from his perspective. While Gurnah's works touch on various aspects of post-colonialism, including identity, migration, and displacement, ecofeminism also emerges as a significant motif in his novels. Ecofeminism is an ideology that examines the intersection of feminism and environmentalism, highlighting the ways in which the oppression of women and the degradation of the environment are interconnected. In Gurnah's novels, the portrayal of female characters and their relationship with nature often reflects the ecofeminist perspective. His female characters navigate the challenges of a changing world while maintaining the connection to their culture and the natural environment. In Paradise, Afterlives and Gravel Heart Gurnah portrays the female characters’ relationship with the natural environment and the intersecting themes of power, gender, and the environment. This essay projects the resilience and agency of women in the face of adversity. It aligns with ecofeminist principles that emphasize the potential for women to be agents of change and advocate for a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.