Literary Ecology in the Nigerian Space: An Ecocritical Reading f Selected Poetry

Abstract

Our fragile ecosystem may become more severely damaged than it is now if all hands are not on deck to retrieve the environment from total collapse. Various human efforts have been geared toward a deserving reclamation of the environment from ruins. These efforts include conferences on climate change, afforestation and reduction in air pollution. Literature is not left behind in the efforts to clean up the environment. It is in this connection that Ecocriticism, the practice of assessing the impact of literary works on the environment has been deployed in this study. More than this, the Reader Response Theory is used as its supporting theory. Selected poems of three poets from Nigeria constitute the primary texts for the Study. The poets are Tanure Ojaide, Niyi Osundare and Ebi Yeibo. The study looks at the settings in which discussions about the environment take place, the impact of ecological problems on agrarian life and the possible effects of protest and resistance by the direct sufferers of the consequences of degradation on the environment in general. The study finds that environmental issues are widespread and not limited to specific places as constant references to the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria compel us to believe. It has also found that areas outside the Niger Delta can benefit from an improved environment through a policy of afforestation by both government and the governed. It is equally found that literature, using the optic of poetry can raise awareness about the duties of denizens to their environment.