ECOCRITICAL READING OF CHRISTIE WATSON’S TINY SUNBIRDS FAR AWAY: A CORRECTIVE ROUTE

Abstract

The Niger Delta environment has been saddled over the years with ecological degradation, pollution, environmental menace as a result of oil exploration and exploitation that is harmful to man, plants, and animals. This has attracted the attention of writers who through literature are committed to the wellbeing of the people and the environment. This paper examines and creates a conscious awareness towards the plight of the Niger Delta environment, depicted through the experiences of the characters in Christie Watson’s Tiny Sunbirds Far Away as the text of reference; with an attempt to remedy the pitiful condition of the region through suggestions by the writer of the above written text if duly applied. There is a future representation of the Niger Delta region by the writer that reflects hope if there is a resolve for change and all measures implemented. The line of the argument in this study is that the environment is not only affected but man in his entirety; his dreams and purpose dance to the music. This paper investigates the effects of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration on innocent citizens of the region and on the environment. This study is predicated on Ecocriticism theory because of its stance in investigating the relationship between man and his environment. Finally, this study focuses on the recreation and rehabilitation of the Niger Delta region.