An Ecocritical Study of Ruskin Bond’s Select Short Stories

Volume 3 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2023

Abstract

 Aim: The following research paper aims to study Ruskin Bond’s select two short stories namely, ‘The Leopard’, and ‘Dust on the Mountain’. This paper will explore the theory of ecocriticism and elaborate on the above mentioned two short stories. Lastly, the article will also touch on the comparison of the above mentioned two short stories in terms of narrative styles, perspective and symbols. Methodology and Approach: This research paper is based on Ruskin Bond’s two short stories: ‘The Leopard’ and ‘Dust on the Mountain’ from his collection of “Dust on the Mountain: Collected Stories”. It has applied the theory of ecocriticism to analyse the literary texts and to bring out the aspect of Nature that is being harmed. Outcome: The paper will introduce the fairly new concept of ecocriticism that relates literature with nature. The two short stories written by Ruskin Bond, will provide an insight on his view of Nature in his writings and will overall give us a reminder about the degrading health of Mother Nature.