An Ecocritical Interpretation of Nature in the Writings of Delia Owens ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’

Abstract

The rise of Ecocriticism as an interesting sphere of literary studies is focused on investigating relations between literature and the environment. This paper is devoted to the investigation of Owens' perception of nature from the Eco critical perspective through Where the Crawdads Sing, Cry of the Kalahari, The Eye of the Elephant, and Secrets of the Savanna. This paper investigates Owens' approach to landscapes and wildlife as actively participating parts of the life of people and not simply the background. It reveals her concern about human-nature interrelatedness, ecological equilibrium, wildlife preservation, and ecological responsibility. Based on the Eco critical approach of Cheryll Glotfelty, Lawrence Buell, and Greg Garrard, the paper shows how Owens breaks traditional anthropocentrism and proposes egocentric world perception. It reveals her view of ecosystems as living systems affecting identity, survival, and ethics. Finally, her nonfiction and fiction literature makes great contribution to the field of environmental literature raising ecological consciousness and respect for biodiversity and encouraging people to think ecologically.