Gun Island

Que:-1 How does this novel develop your understanding of a rather new genre known as 'cli-fi'?

Climate fiction, or cli-fi, is a form of speculative fiction that features a changed or changing climate as a major plot device. People have been unwittingly writing cli-fi stories and novels for decades, though the term came into heavy usage in the past 10 or so years. The genre frequently includes science fiction and dystopian or utopian themes, imagining the potential futures based on how humanity responds to the impacts of climate change. Rationales for the genre typically assume knowledge of anthropogenic effects on the human-altered climate as opposed to weather and disaster more generally although broader definitions exist. Technologies such as climate engineering or climate adaptation practices often feature prominently in works exploring their impacts on society.

Gun island is sequel to The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh. The novel Gun island opens with the character Dinanath who came to Calcutta to spend his vacation. When he went to meet Nilima Bose and came to know about the story of Mansa devi, when he visited the shrine he got a new way of life. Amitav Ghosh put Deen in place of a Gun merchant of the Seventeenth century. In the novel Deen follows the steps of Gun Merchant and find many new facts of Nature and connection between past and present.

In the novel there are many characters who tried to escape from nature but somehow they got into trouble through nature. Characters like Tipu and Rafi who decided to migrate because they don't have enough opportunity in Sunderbans but somehow they get involved in trouble related to nature. In the novel there is reference to Bhola cyclone, the worst cyclone Sundarbans have ever faced. Through the character of Piya, Ghosh points out that the chemical fertilisers that humans are using can reduce the oxygen level of the water. The small organisms in the different water bodies cannot survive with low oxygen. Hence, mass number of water organisms would die and also the whole areas would affect the ocean, that becomes "Oceanic dead zones". Because of raising temperature of Earth, insects find difficult to adapt with the climate conditions. Bark beetles are insects which are lived by eating the leaves of the trees. But, in the mountain areas, those kinds of beetles are rare, which even eat up the whole tree for survival. That generates "a long drought" and "a huge wildfire".

In the novel there are many references of natural calamities like, flood in Sundarbans and Venice, Wildfire in Los Angeles, Climate change. Like Rafi and Tipu, there is another young pair attempting to escape from their original place-Bilal and Kabir. Bilal is the friend of Rafi. One and the other are working in the same spot in Venice. Because of the family circumstances, Bilal leaves Bangladesh along with Kabir. They get the Emirates with the help of relatives. Similar to Rafi and Tipu, they are also under the guidance of dalal; they are given instructions all the time.

Indeed, Gun Island acknowledges that there might still be hope for a better tomorrow. Ghosh writes, “The possibility of our deliverance lies not in the future but in the past, in a mystery beyond memory.”

Que:-2 How does Amitav Ghosh use the myth of Manasa Devi to create the myth of a Gun Merchant ('Bonduki Sadagar') and initiate discussion on the issue of Climate Change and Migration/Refugee crisis / Human Trafficking?

In Amitav Ghosh's "Gun Island," the character of Manasa Devi, is first introduced through a conversation between Kanai Dutt and Deen. The two discuss the myth of Chand Saudagar, which serves as a central thread weaving together the novel's various themes. Through this myth, Ghosh draws parallels between the Little Ice Age and our current reality, where natural disasters such as droughts, floods, cyclones, wildfires, and epidemics have become commonplace. The novel posits that these catastrophic weather events are primarily due to unprecedented climatic changes caused by human activity.

Manasa Devi, the goddess of snakes and firearms, is an essential figure in the novel as she embodies the destructive and transformative powers of nature. She represents the intersection of human and natural agency, and her presence underscores the idea that humans are not separate from nature but are, in fact, integral components of it. The novel suggests that we must take responsibility for the impact we have on the environment and take action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

In "Gun Island," Ghosh masterfully interweaves the mythical with the contemporary, using elements of magical realism to explore urgent environmental concerns. The novel's rich and evocative language, combined with its thought-provoking analysis of the intersection of myth and reality, make it a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between literature and environmental activism.

In "Gun Island," Deen is initially dismissive of the myth of the Gun Merchant after hearing it from Kanai. However, after attending a conference in Los Angeles and being inspired by Cinta's speech, Deen decides to travel to Venice to investigate the myth further. Along the way, he uncovers the history behind the myth through his exploration of the places associated with it.

The theme of migration is a significant aspect of the novel, with various characters having migrated for different reasons, including natural disasters, violence, poverty, and seeking a better life. Through Deen's conversation with Horen Naskar, it becomes clear that the Gun Merchant may have been motivated by similar reasons to those of other characters in the book. The novel provides a complex and nuanced exploration of the reasons behind migration, highlighting that there is no single reason why people choose to leave their homes and start anew elsewhere.

“the disaster that had forced the Gun Merchant to flee his

homeland: a drought so terrible that the streams, rivers

and ponds had dried up and the stench of rotting

fish and dead livestock had hung heavy in the air.”I

In the novel, the primary characters are academics who specialize in the study of various animal species. Piyali Roy's research focuses on dolphins, while Lisa's area of expertise is bark beetles and Larry's is spiders. Through their work, the novel delves into the lives of these animals and how they are being impacted by climate change.

The presence of snakes, spiders, and shipworms in Venice is also highlighted, offering a unique perspective on how these creatures are adapting to their changing environment. This serves as a reminder of the far-reaching effects of climate change and the importance of ongoing research and exploration.

Overall, the novel provides an in-depth look into the animal kingdom and how they are being impacted by climate change, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to understand and mitigate its effects.

“‘Larry says this is the first time he’s heard of one turning up so far north. But he’s not surprised either. He says the brown recluse has been increasing its range very quickly because it’s getting so much hotter in Europe. And there’s a related species, the Mediterranean recluse, that’s already widespread across Italy.” It gives us the effect of climate change on animals and their migration into the world."

The novel's use of the myth of the Gun Merchant to explore topics such as climate change, migration, and human trafficking is both creative and thought-provoking. The book's characters and their experiences offer a nuanced perspective on these issues, highlighting their complexity and the far-reaching impact they have on individuals and society as a whole. Overall, Gun Island is an engaging and insightful read that encourages readers to reflect on their place in the world and their role in shaping its future.

Que:- 3 What are your views on the use of myth and history in the novel 'Gun Island' to draw the attention of the reader toward contemporary issues like climate change and migration?

The author's use of mythical elements and historical context in the novel creates a captivating story that resonates with readers on an emotional level, making the novel's themes more impactful and memorable. Myths and legends have a universal and timeless quality that makes them an effective tool for storytelling. By incorporating these elements, the author creates a story that draws readers in and encourages them to reflect on the novel's themes. The use of history in the novel provides a deeper understanding of contemporary issues, making the themes more relevant and meaningful. This strengthens the connection between the reader and the narrative.

The East is a cultural mosaic of myths and legends that are interwoven into the lives and beliefs of its people. These stories of gods and heroes hold a significant place in the Eastern imagination, and evoke strong emotions. When contemporary issues are presented straightforwardly, people in the East may struggle to grasp their importance. However, by incorporating mythological elements, the material becomes more captivating, providing a unique and insightful perspective. By blending myth and reality, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a more engaging reading experience

For individuals who seek a logical and thorough comprehension of the world, a historical basis serves as a strong foundation for understanding. Through analyzing past events, we can gain insight into the present and make informed choices for the future. Integrating mythology and history is an effective approach for examining the intricacies of our world, offering both substance and perspective to modern issues.