ANTHROPOCENTRIC-REALISM IN THE NIGER-DELTA REGION: A STUDY OF RUKY DIVINE OGEDE'S FESTERING WOUNDS

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between literature and the environment. The major focus is on the anthropocentric attitude and activities of man, and how these impinge on the environment. The paper tries to x-ray some concepts such anthropocentrism, biosphere, earth, environment, man and the Others. The paper argues that the concepts in their physical manifestation are cardinal for the existence and survival of humanity as well as themselves. In addition to these, the paper looks at the effects of the degradation of the environment on mankind; the interrelationship between the degradation of the earth, corruption and protest among the citizenry. Another aspect examined is the political implication of the despoliation of the environment. These could be summed up in the perennial and circular flow of corruption and the attendant suffering and degradation of human life, leading ultimately to resistance among the populace. The text of analysis is Ruky Divine Ogede's Festering Wounds. The paper concludes that mankind no longer seems to understand or realise that humanity cannot exist nor survive in isolation. Another conclusion is that the environment’s response to the degradation of the earth is a prelude to youths’ restiveness and social revolts.

Keywords: Anthropocentrism, Biosphere, Earth, Environment, Man, Niger-Delta, Others

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/97-05

Publication date:May 31^st 2023