Climate Change as Slow Violence in Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behaviour

Abstract

The present study explores the impact of climate change on displaced monarch butterflies and farming in Turnbow farming of Tennessee in Barbara Kingsolver‟s novel Flight Behaviour. DellarobiaTurnbow and Ovid Byron demonstrate a profound sense of connection to nature, and a strong protest against harmful human activity like logging. However, their differing views on the arrival of butterflies in Turnbow farming show a tension between those who romanticize natural things and those who are seriously worried about anti-nature activities. Nevertheless, their constant mutual understanding that appears as the novel progresses is their fascination towards nature and ecological system. Gradually, they share similar views in their attempt to resist patriarchal and capitalist systems that seek to exploit nature bringing climatic adverse situation. Following the qualitative research design, this study brings ideas from the works of Amitav Ghosh, Dipesh Chakrabarty, and Lawrence Buell to develop a theoretical framework for analyzing the primary text under scrutiny. Keywords: capitalism, flight, nature, ecological denial, slow violence, climate fiction