Humans and Non-Huimans relation in Atwood's MaddAddam Trilogy

Abstract

This study explores relations between humans and non-humansin Atwood’s MaddAddam Trilogy, comprisingof Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood,andMaddAddam. Although the study primarily focuses on MaddAddam, it bringsadequate references of humans and non-humans from Oryx and Crakeand The Year of the Flood. According to this research, MaddaddamTrilogycritiques the symbiotic andindispensable relation of non-human life by depicting a world, where humans use biotechnology to soar in the changed world and have relation with non-humans. Atwood ruptures the dichotomy between human and non-human, showing the coherent relation, species extinction, and ecological degradation and so on are amplified throughhuman practices. She calls for harmony, embodiment of the deep ecologies and adherence to simplicity, sustainability and respect for all life.Despite genetic transformations instigated by humans, the non-human entities exhibit notable resilience and adaptability, with some even developing their own culture and spirituality. Through the trilogy, Atwood emphasizesa need for anethical and respectful relationship between humansand non-humans, and thereby presentsa model of harmonious and more ethical and sustainable co-existence. In order to examine such relationship between humans and non-human entities, this study draws upon theoreticalinsights developed byRosi Braidotti, Cary Wolfe and Jeremy Bentham. Key words: deep ecology,symbiotic relation,genetic engineering, environmental collapse, harmony