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The intersection of environmental degradation and artistic expression is gaining increasing attention, particularly in contemporary literature. Recent scholarship, including a 2025 study published in LINGUAE &, highlights how authors are utilizing narrative to confront the devastating consequences of ecological contamination and to amplify calls for environmental justice. This analysis focuses on Imbolo Mbue’s novel How Beautiful We Were and Chinelo Okparanta’s short story “America,” examining their portrayals of aquatic contamination and the literary eco-activism embedded within their work.

The study, authored by Aminat Emma Badmus, explores how these authors depict the catastrophic impact of pollution on communities and ecosystems. Specifically, it examines how agency is dramatized through characterization, revealing a powerful connection between individual experiences and broader environmental concerns. The increasing frequency of environmental disasters and the growing awareness of corporate responsibility are driving a surge in artistic responses, making literary eco-activism a vital form of social commentary.

The Devastating Impact of Oil Contamination

Imbolo Mbue, a Cameroonian American novelist born in 1981, gained prominence with her debut novel Behold the Dreamers (2016), which earned her the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the Blue Metropolis Words to Change Award. Her 2021 novel, How Beautiful We Were, directly addresses the environmental crisis in Africa, specifically the damage caused by American oil companies. The novel portrays the devastating effects of oil spills on a small African village, illustrating the profound disruption of traditional ways of life and the long-term health consequences for residents. The narrative underscores the power imbalances inherent in these situations, where corporate interests often outweigh the well-being of local communities.

The research indicates that Mbue’s work, and that of other authors tackling similar themes, often serves as a form of protest against environmental injustice. The contamination isn’t merely a backdrop to the story; it’s a central character, actively shaping the lives and destinies of those affected. This approach forces readers to confront the human cost of environmental negligence and to question the ethical implications of prioritizing profit over sustainability.

Literary Eco-Activism and the Power of Characterization

Badmus’s analysis further examines Chinelo Okparanta’s short story “America” within this context. While the story’s focus extends beyond purely environmental concerns, it touches upon the broader themes of displacement and the search for a better life, often driven by environmental factors. The study suggests that Okparanta’s work, alongside Mbue’s, utilizes characterization to represent ecological consciousness.

The research highlights the employ of what Mikhail Bakhtin termed “carnival laughter” as a subversive tool to represent this consciousness. This involves employing elements of craziness, clowns, and heroic characterizations to challenge and undermine the impact of environmental degradation. By portraying characters who resist, adapt, or find humor in the face of adversity, the authors offer a glimmer of hope and agency in seemingly hopeless situations. This approach, according to the study, effectively uses characterization to create compelling ecological narratives that teach about the demand to address environmental degradation.

Agency and Ecological Consciousness

The study emphasizes that characters play a crucial role in delivering messages about the consequences of environmental degradation. The authors effectively use characterization to create compelling narratives that underscore the urgency of addressing environmental issues. The depiction of ecological awareness through the characteristics of carnival allows for a nuanced exploration of resistance and resilience.

The authors’ work isn’t simply about documenting environmental damage; it’s about exploring the human response to it. By focusing on the agency of individuals and communities, Mbue and Okparanta offer a powerful counter-narrative to the often-disempowering rhetoric surrounding environmental crises.

As environmental challenges continue to escalate globally, the role of literature in raising awareness and inspiring action will likely grow even more critical. The work of authors like Mbue and Okparanta demonstrates the power of storytelling to connect us to the human and ecological consequences of environmental degradation, fostering a deeper understanding of the need for sustainable practices and environmental justice. Further research is expected to explore the evolving landscape of literary eco-activism and its impact on public discourse.

What other contemporary works are effectively addressing the intersection of environmental issues and social justice? Share your thoughts in the comments below.