HUMAN EMBEDDEDNESS WITH NATURE IN SHAMSIE’S IN THE CITY BY THE SEA: AN ECOCRITICAL CRITIQUE

Abstract

This study deals with theme of human embeddedness with nature in the novel, In the City by the Sea by Kamila Shamsie through an ecocritical lens. It analyzes the relationship between humans and their natural surroundings, highlighting the significance of ecological consciousness, environmental degradation, and the potential for harmonious coexistence. Shamsie’s vivid descriptions of the natural world emphasize its connection to the characters’ emotional well-being. This study also examines how the novel intertwines environmental issues with broader social and political concerns. By employing an ecocritical framework, the study demonstrates the novel's role in fostering ecological consciousness and advocating for a sustainable relationship between humans and nature. Additionally, the present research briefly mentions Shamsie’s portrayal of Karachi in novel, a highly urbanized city in Pakistan, as a representation of the environmental challenges faced by many cities worldwide. The current study is an addition to the existing body of knowledge in domain of ecocriticism and aims to make an authentic contribution and expand the scholarship on Pakistani fiction by exploring the human embeddedness with nature.