Entwined Fates: An Eco-critical Analysis of Nature and Political Decay in Mohammad Hanif's A Case of Exploding Mangoes

Abstract

This qualitative research article examines the portrayal of environmental themes in Mohammad Hanif's A Case of Exploding Mangoes using eco-critical theoretical framework. It focuses on the symbolic and narrative significance of nature, weather, and ecological elements portrayed and presented within the novel. The study explores the way Hanif combines ecological imagery with socio-political commentary to critique power dynamics and environmental ethics in Pakistan through a detailed analysis of selected passages from the novel. Utilizing eco-critical theory, the analysis reveals the ways in which the novel addresses issues of environmental preservation and destruction. It highlights the often superficial nature of state-led environmental initiatives based on hidden motives. The study argues that Hanif's use of ecological themes serves as a powerful critique of authoritarian regimes and their impact on both the physical environment and the symbolic landscape of the nation. By contextualizing these findings within broader literary and environmental discourses, the research emphasizes the importance of genuine environmental commitment in the face of political manipulation and propaganda.