Ecofeminist sensibility in adiche's Purple Hibiscus and markandaya;s Nectar in a Sieve

Abstract

The present study examinesthe connection between women and nature in Chimamanda Ngochi Adichie‘s novel Purple Hibiscus and Kamala Markandaya‘s Nectar in a Sieve from the perspective of ecofeminism. The female characters in these novels demonstrate a deep connection to nature through their actions. They are similar in their attempt to resist patriarchal and capitalist systems that seek to exploit both women and nature. Kambili and Ifeomafrom Purple Hibiscus resist domination overtly whereas Rukminifrom Nectar in a Sieve resists it covertly. In addition, Ifeoma's gardening or Kambili's spiritual renewal in nature and Rukmini‘s devotion to farming demonstrate their connection to nature. Following the qualitative research design, thisstudy brings ideas from the works of Vandana Shiva, Greta Gaard, and ValPlumwood to develop a theoretical framework to analyze the primary texts. The study concludes that women share a connection with mother earth and they also show their resistance in necessity. The majority of male characters are found to be anti- nature. In Purple Hibiscus, Eugene, Kambili's father and Ifeoma's brother, is an obstacle to female characters as they try to establish a connection with nature, as his strict adherence to capitalist and religious doctrines limits their freedom to engage with the natural world. However, Kambili‘s mother kills Eugene and thus the women eventually have their way. In Nectar in a Sieve, Rukmini‘sresistance to construction of the building of tannery,however, fails as she remains unheard. Nevertheless, their opposition to capitalist and patriarchal values and their attachments to the earth demonstrate their ecofeminist sensibility. Keywords: Ecofeminism, women, resistance, capitalism, patriarchy, nature,