The Presentation of Global Sustainability Issues in Contemporary Literature
Examine the ways in which the global issue(s) of your choice is(are) presented through the content of the course. Cite a minimum of two or more of the works that we have studied in this course. Present your analysis infusing concepts of sustainability and our Global future.
Please focus on the following points as you prepare your final essay.
1. The essay question requires that you integrate information taken from several different (referenced) sources, to organize that information, and to summarize the information with conclusions that may be new to you.
2. Begin with a thesis statement, (or a claim) that you will explain and justify in your essay. Support your ideas with a rationale and evidence (not opinion statements such as I think) that are logically organized throughout the essay. Your ideas and the support should be clear to the reader.
3. Select relevant material to illustrate your points and provide specific references to class readings as well as additional research that you conduct via FDU library resources. Your essay must make substantive reference to at least two to three resources. Do not cite, quote, or reference from Wikipedia or general non-verifiable sources. References should follow a standard citation format APA as per your instructor.
4. Your essay should reflect appropriate grammar and syntax.
The Presentation of Global Sustainability Issues in Contemporary Literature
Thesis Statement
The exploration of sustainability and its implications for our global future is a pressing concern articulated through various literary works. This essay examines how the themes of environmental degradation and social inequity are presented in The Overstory by Richard Powers and Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, demonstrating that literature serves as a powerful medium for raising awareness and inspiring action towards a sustainable future.
Introduction
As the world grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and social injustice, literature has emerged as a vital platform for articulating these global issues. Through narrative techniques and character development, authors can reflect on humanity's relationship with the environment, as well as the systemic inequalities that exacerbate these crises. This essay will explore how Richard Powers’ The Overstory and Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior illuminate critical aspects of sustainability, ultimately underscoring the interconnectedness of ecological and social issues.
Environmental Degradation in The Overstory
Richard Powers’ The Overstory intricately weaves together the lives of multiple characters, all of whom develop a profound connection to trees and the natural world. The novel portrays the devastating impact of deforestation and climate change on ecosystems, emphasizing the urgency for collective action. For instance, Powers utilizes a variety of perspectives to illustrate how individuals become stewards of nature, fighting against corporate interests that prioritize profit over ecological health (Powers, 2018). The diverse narratives serve to highlight the idea that environmental sustainability is not merely an individual endeavor; rather, it requires a unified movement grounded in social responsibility.
In furtherance of this point, Powers’ depiction of trees as sentient beings underscores the ethical implications of environmental degradation. By personifying trees, he invites readers to empathize with these living organisms and consider their intrinsic value beyond mere resources (Powers, 2018). This literary technique fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability—one that encompasses respect for nature and recognizes the need for a paradigm shift in how society perceives its environmental responsibilities.
Social Inequity in Flight Behavior
Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior offers another dimension to the discourse on sustainability by addressing social inequities intertwined with environmental issues. Set in rural Appalachia, the novel explores the economic struggles of a small community facing the effects of climate change through the migration patterns of monarch butterflies. Kingsolver delves into the lives of her characters who grapple with poverty, lack of education, and limited access to resources (Kingsolver, 2012). These social challenges reveal that environmental issues are often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, highlighting the need for an equitable approach to sustainability.
Kingsolver’s narrative illustrates that solutions to environmental problems must also consider social justice. For example, the character Dellarobia’s journey from apathy to activism demonstrates how personal transformation can lead to broader community engagement (Kingsolver, 2012). By empowering marginalized voices and emphasizing community resilience, Kingsolver argues that sustainable practices must include efforts to address systemic inequalities.
Conclusion
Through their respective works, Richard Powers and Barbara Kingsolver illustrate the critical interrelation between environmental sustainability and social equity. The Overstory emphasizes the urgent need for collective action against environmental degradation, while Flight Behavior highlights how socioeconomic disparities complicate our responses to ecological crises. Together, these narratives serve as compelling calls to action, urging readers to recognize their role in fostering a sustainable future. As we navigate the complexities of global challenges, literature becomes not just a reflection of our current state but also a source of inspiration for transformative change.
References
- Kingsolver, B. (2012). Flight Behavior. HarperCollins.
- Powers, R. (2018). The Overstory. W.W. Norton & Company.