Analyzing the Colonial Discourse in the Collection of Stories 'Gharibeha va Pesarak Bomi' and Its Impact on the Environment Based on Foucault's Concept of Power

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D in Persian Language and literature Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Persian Language and Literature Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Ahvaz. Iran

Abstract

Ecological criticism examines the relationship between man and his environment; a relationship that has undergone transformations throughout history. One of the causes of such a transformation is the discourse of colonialism, which is prominent in the collection of stories "Gharibeha va Pesarak Bomi." In this research, we have analyzed the impact of colonial discourse on the environment in the collection of stories "Gharibeha va Pesarak Bomi" by Ahmed Mahmoud to take a small step toward raising awareness in dealing with the environment. Therefore, using a descriptive-analytical method with an interdisciplinary approach, and according to Foucault, in this collection of stories, instead of focusing on the sources of power, we have examined its consequences in order to investigate the destructive effects of colonial discourse on the natural and human environment. This vision is necessary for our human society, which has suffered from environmental crises, to become aware of the appropriate behavior toward the environment. The results of this research on the collection of stories "Gharibeha va Pesarak Bomi" indicate that the discourse of colonization has turned the environment into a subject subjugated to power and distanced it from its object. By moving nature away from its position as an object, it has caused pollution, which has led to problems for human life. In fact, man and the environment have been vehicles for exercising the power of colonial discourse, which is evident in categories such as air and water pollution, disturbance of ecological balance, lack of rainfall, cutting down of palm trees, soil erosion, separation of man from nature, loss of peace from people's lives, noise and visual pollution, poverty, unemployment, migration, creation of tension and conflicts between people, disregard for national and epic foundations, creation of class gaps, and reduced life expectancy. In short, society, economy, and ecology in this collection of stories, influenced by colonial discourse, have been ineffective measures for sustainable development because they have not moved in alignment with it; rather, they have been in opposition to it.

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References

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Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Volume 13, Issue 1
2024
Pages 103-117

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