Authors: Preeti
Abstract: Ecofeminism examines the interconnected oppression of women and nature within patriarchal societies. It argues that the same ideological structures that authorize the domination of women also justify the exploitation of the natural environment. Anita Desai's Fire on the Mountain (1977) provides a compelling narrative through which these concerns can be explored. Set in the secluded hill station of Kasauli, the novel revolves around three female characters—Nanda Kaul, Raka, and Ila Das—whose lives reveal different forms of marginalization, resistance, and self-discovery. Through its rich depiction of landscape and its profound exploration of female subjectivity, the novel establishes a symbolic relationship between women and nature. This paper examines Fire on the Mountain from an ecofeminist perspective, focusing on the themes of isolation, nature, and female consciousness. It argues that Desai portrays nature as both a refuge from patriarchal oppression and a medium through which women negotiate identity and autonomy. By analyzing the experiences of the female protagonists and their interaction with the natural world, the study highlights the novel's critique of patriarchal power structures and its contribution to ecofeminist discourse.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20656700
