Volume 12 : Issue 12.2 (2025)

An ecocritical analysis of When the River Sleeps

A literary and cultural theory called ecocriticism is concerned with the connection between literature, culture, and the environment. It developed in reaction to ecological difficulties and growing environmental concerns. Literature and other kinds of cultural expression are examined in terms of how they depict and engage with the natural world and how they reflect and influence people's attitudes and values towards the environment. Analysing how the text interacts with environmental themes, narratives, and representations is critical to applying ecocriticism to a literary work. Known Indian-Naga author Easterine Kire is the author of the book When the River Sleeps. The book, released in 2014, is a work of contemporary fiction that draws inspiration from Northeast India's diverse natural landscapes and cultural traditions.The book has received appreciation for its vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and examination of themes of identity, spirituality, and interactions between humans and nature.When the River Sleeps, the title itself, refers to the interaction between natural processes and human endeavours. In-depth discussions of ecological balance, the mysteries of the forest, and the complexity of indigenous beliefs and traditions are all issues that are explored in the book.As Abeto sets off on his journey, the reader is taken through the lush forests and rocky terrains of the Naga hills, where he faces several obstacles, encounters with wildlife, and reflective moments. Kire's literature frequently displays her close ties to her own country and the struggles faced by the Naga minority. When the River Sleeps is a prime example of her skill at fusing narrative with cultural understanding, giving readers a glimpse into a distinctive and obscure cultural milieu.The novel will be examined in the research paper from an environmental standpoint, considering any consequences of how the characters interact with the natural world. By encouraging a more excellent knowledge of the complex relationships between culture and nature, the research paper aims to improve comprehension of the novel and environmental challenges.

Ecocriticism, nature, symbolism, setting, landscape, rivers