Grappling with Looming Ecological Imbalance: An Ecocritical Study of Welby’s Dreamtime

Abstract

The current era, owing to human-centric priorities, is facing the worst ecological crises in history, with dire consequences for both human beings and the diverse array of animal and plant species. Regrettably, there exists a notable lack of scholarly engagement in contemporary fiction regarding the environmental implications of anthropocentric behaviors. Recognizing the need of the hour and the scholarly duty therein, the present researcher, employing a qualitative paradigm and adopting an ecocritical perspective provided by Glotfelty and Gosh, undertakes a thorough analysis of Venetia Welby’s Dreamtime (2021), aiming to unveil the anthropocentric behaviors contributing to ecological imbalance and unravel potential solutions embedded within its narrative. The study highlights that continued adherence to capitalist, colonial, and militaristic paradigms may precipitate ecological catastrophe on a global level. It scrutinizes phenomena such as environmental devastation in war-torn zones, sea-level rise, submersion of islands, pollution, biodiversity loss, ecological injustice, and climate-induced migrations. It calls for greater collaboration among literary writers and stakeholders from diverse disciplines to foster eco-consciousness among the masses, thereby mitigating environmental degradation, restoring the environment to its pristine condition, promoting sustainable consumption practices, conserving natural resources, and ultimately making Earth a safe and serene planet to live on.