Roots of Responsibility: An Eco-Critical Perspective on Bond’s ‘The Cherry Tree’
Table of contents
- Personal Information
- Assignment Details
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction to Ecocriticism
- Historical Development of Ecocriticism
- Understanding Ruskin Bond and his work
- Summarising ‘The Cherry Tree’
- Ecocritical Analysis of ‘The Cherry Tree’
- Conclusion
- References
Personal Information
Name - Bhumiba Gohil
Batch - M.A. Sem 3 (2023-2025)
Enrollment Number - 5108230016
Email Address - bhumibagohil333@gmail.com
Roll Number - 4
Assignment Details
Topic - Eco Criticism Unfolded: Early Environmental Thought to Contemporary Theory
Paper - Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies
Paper Number - 204
Subject Code - 22409
Submitted to - Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of Submission - 8 November 2024
Abstract
This assignment examines Ruskin Bond’s ‘The Cherry Tree’ through an eco-critical perspective, charting the evolution of young Rakesh’s connection to the natural world as he nurtures a cherry tree. Situating the story within the broader context of ecocriticism’s development, the analysis traces how ecocriticism emerged as a field to address the urgent need for an environmentally aware literary discourse. By following Rakesh’s growth from a passive consumer to an active steward of nature, Bond’s narrative embodies ecocritical themes like resilience, interdependence, and place-attachment. This assignment explores how ‘The Cherry Tree’ illustrates the shift from anthropocentrism to a biocentric worldview, emphasizing literature’s role in fostering ecological awareness and inspiring a sustainable relationship with the environment.
Keywords
Ecocriticism, Ruskin Bond, The Cherry Tree, Environmental Consciousness, Eco-critical analysis.
Introduction to Ecocriticism
Ecocriticism is an interdisciplinary approach within literary studies that examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment. The term “ Ecocriticism” was coined by William Rueckert in the late 1970s, by combining ‘criticism’ with a short form of ‘ecology’. Ecocriticism, alternatively known as green studies or environmental criticism, designates the critical writings that explore the relations between literature and the biological and physical environment conducted with an acute awareness of the damage being brought on that environment by human activities. It seeks to understand how literature reflects human interactions with the natural world. Influenced by ecologists, environmentalists, and literary scholars, eco-criticism aims to highlight the ways in which texts represent nature, ecological systems, and the consequences of human impact on the environment.
This approach often challenges anthropocentrism (the human-centered view of the world) by advocating for an eco-centric perspective that recognises the intrinsic value of nature beyond its usefulness to humans. Pioneers like Cheryll Glotfelty and William Rueckert encouraged scholars to consider how literature could foster ecological awareness and responsibility. Eco-criticism asks questions about how natural spaces, flora, fauna, and ecological themes are depicted, and what these representations reveal about societal attitudes toward nature. In analyzing literature from an eco-critical perspective, readers are invited to explore issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, and the interdependence of humans and ecosystems. By investigating these themes, eco-criticism encourages a deeper ecological consciousness and inspires readers to reflect on their own relationships with the natural world.
(Abrams and Harpham)
To better understand Ecocriticism, we can look at the functions of an Eco-critic. These were given by Peter Barry in his book, “The Beginning Theory”. They were as follows -
- They re-examine well-known literary works with a focus on how nature is represented.
- They apply ecological ideas—like growth, balance, and sustainability—not just to nature but to other areas as well.
- They give special importance to writers who highlight nature, such as the American transcendentalists, British Romantics, and poets like John Clare and Thomas Hardy.
- They expand literary analysis by including factual writing, like essays, travel books, and regional literature, especially when it reflects nature.
- They move away from theories that see nature as a social or linguistic construct, instead emphasizing careful observation, ethical responsibility, and the importance of the natural world.
(Barry)
Historical Development of Ecocriticism
The origins and development of ecocriticism trace back to environmental and literary concerns that began to converge in the late 20th century. Although environmentalism itself grew in the political sphere during the 1960s and 1970s, ecocriticism did not emerge as a distinct academic field until the late 1980s and early 1990s. This delay was partly due to the prevailing focus on deconstruction and cultural studies, which often viewed nature as a social and ideological construct rather than as a “real” entity that could suffer degradation.
The formalization of ecocriticism began with the founding of the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment (ASLE) in 1992, during a convention of the Western Literature Association. This institutional milestone was followed by the launch of the journal ISLE: Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment in 1993, and ASLE’s biennial conferences began in 1995. Seminal texts, such as Lawrence Buell’s “The Environmental Imagination” (1995), Kate Soper’s “What Is Nature?” (1995), and “The Ecocriticism Reader” (1996) by Cheryll Glotfelty and Harold Fromm, helped shape ecocriticism as a field. These works brought together various interdisciplinary approaches to explore how literature and culture reflect and influence humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Ecocriticism rapidly gained attention, attracting scholars interested in the environmental implications of literature, especially through its critique of modernity’s impact on nature. Over time, the field has expanded to include diverse perspectives such as ecofeminism, environmental justice, and urban ecocriticism, examining issues like social inequality in access to resources and the environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities. Today, ecocriticism continues to evolve, embracing both realism and constructivist perspectives and increasingly addressing globalization, climate change, and cross-cultural ecological concerns.
(Heise)
Understanding Ruskin Bond and his work
Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most beloved authors, known for his evocative storytelling and deep connection to nature. Born in 1934 in Kasauli, India, Bond has spent much of his life in the small towns and hills of Northern India, particularly in Dehradun and Mussoorie, whose landscapes have profoundly influenced his work. Bond’s writing spans genres, including short stories, novels, essays, and children’s literature, and is characterised by its simplicity, warmth, and nostalgia.
We find a recurring theme in Bond’s work is his reverence for nature and the quiet beauty of everyday life, which he often portrays through the perspective of children and ordinary individuals. His writing, deeply rooted in the Indian landscape, celebrates the flora and fauna of the Himalayan region and often reflects his eco-conscious values.
Over his long literary career, Bond has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. His ability to capture the essence of small-town India and his commitment to highlighting the importance of nature have made him a cherished voice in Indian literature. Through his stories, Ruskin Bond not only entertains but also gently encourages readers to appreciate and protect the natural world.
Summarising ‘The Cherry Tree’
“The Cherry Tree” by Ruskin Bond is a simple yet heartwarming story about a young boy named Rakesh, who lives in the hills of Mussoorie with his grandfather. One day, Rakesh plants a cherry seed he finds in a cherry he has eaten. Though initially unsure of what will come of it, he nurtures the small plant with patience and care, watching it grow slowly despite facing challenges like harsh weather and a grazing goat.
As the years pass, Rakesh and his grandfather witness the sapling grow into a sturdy tree, symbolizing resilience and the cycle of life. The cherry tree, in turn, becomes a source of joy and pride for Rakesh, marking his growth and fostering a sense of responsibility and attachment to nature. Through the story, Bond explores themes of nature, growth, and the connection between humans and the natural world. The story ultimately conveys the importance of nurturing and respecting the environment, as Rakesh learns valuable lessons about patience, care, and ecological awareness from his beloved cherry tree.
(Bond)
Ecocritical Analysis of ‘The Cherry Tree’
At the heart of ecocriticism is the exploration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment. Ruskin Bond's "The Cherry Tree" exemplifies this core tenet of the ecocritical approach through its portrayal of a young boy's growing eco-consciousness.
The story's protagonist, Rakesh, initially interacts with the natural world in a rather anthropocentric manner - he simply enjoys eating the cherries without much thought to their origin or ecological significance. However, this human-centric perspective gradually transforms as Rakesh takes the initiative to plant the cherry seed and nurture the resulting sapling. Through this act of "creation", Rakesh begins to develop a sense of ownership and investment in the wellbeing of the cherry tree. As he witnesses its struggles to survive against threats like grazing animals and accidental damage, Rakesh shifts from being a passive observer to an engaged caretaker. This shift embodies the Ecocritical goal of cultivating a biocentric worldview that recognises the intrinsic worth of the non-human natural world.
The cherry tree itself becomes a focal point that connects Rakesh to the broader ecological network. He observes with fascination the tree's ability to regenerate after setbacks, as well as its role in sustaining other living beings like birds and insects. This is evident by quotes like:-
“But the cherry tree had no intention of dying.
By the time summer came round again, it had sent out several new shoots with tender green leaves.”
In this way, the tree transcends its status as an isolated organism and comes to represent the interdependence of all components within the environment. Moreover, Rakesh's growing attachment to the cherry tree mirrors the Ecocritical notion of "place-attachment" - the idea that humans derive a sense of identity and belonging from their physical surroundings. As the tree matures alongside Rakesh, it becomes a tangible embodiment of his own development and connection to the land.
Ultimately, "The Cherry Tree" charts Rakesh's transformation from a consumer of nature's bounty to a steward and appreciator of its inherent value. Through this narrative, Ruskin Bond powerfully conveys the ecocritical message that restoring our ecological consciousness is essential for cultivating a sustainable relationship with the natural world.
(Mishra)
Conclusion
Ruskin Bond’s ‘The Cherry Tree’ captures the journey of environmental consciousness through Rakesh’s evolving relationship with nature, symbolised by his care for the cherry tree. This analysis reveals how Bond not only portrays the resilience and beauty of the natural world but also emphasises the importance of ecological stewardship. Through an eco-critical lens, the story serves as a reminder that nurturing and respecting nature is essential for fostering a biocentric view where all life holds intrinsic value. Bond’s narrative encourages readers to see beyond their immediate needs, advocating for a responsible, sustainable relationship with the environment. As ecocriticism continues to address contemporary challenges like climate change and environmental degradation, ‘The Cherry Tree’ remains a relevant and powerful call to cultivate an enduring, respectful connection with the natural world.
References -
Abrams, Meyer Howard, and Geoffrey Galt Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Cengage Learning, 2015.
Barry, Peter (2002), Beginning Theory:” An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory”. Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press.
Bond, Ruskin. Cherry Tree. Penguin Books India PVT, Limited, 2012.
Heise, Ursula K. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Ecocriticism.” PMLA, vol. 121, no. 2, 2006, pp. 503–16. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25486328. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
Mishra, Sandip Kumar. “Ruskin Bond’s The Cherry Tree: An Ecocritical Study.” Daath Voyage: An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in English, vol. 3, no. 2, 2018. ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326878783_Ruskin_Bond's_The_Cherry_Tree_An_Ecocritical_Study. Accessed 7 November 2024.
Words - 1879
Images - 9
