De Capitani, Lucio. “Exploring the Ethnographic Encounter.” Il Tolomeo (Online), vol. 18, no. 1, 2016, https://doi.org/10.14277/2499-5975/Tol-18.

Lucio De Capitani’s article explores Amitav Ghosh’s 2004 novel “The Hungry Tide,” suggesting an amalgamation of anthropology with world literature. De Capitani argues that world literature, approached through various perspectives, thrives on overlapping projects. He maps John Comaroff’s anthropological epistemic operations onto the novel, introducing the concept of the ethnographic novel. Ghosh’s work is seen as a departure point for world literature, illustrating ethnographic encounters and connecting Ghosh with writers employing similar techniques. This article broadens the understanding of world literature’s overlap with anthropology.

De Capitani’s article offers a unique perspective on Amitav Ghosh’s “The Hungry Tide,” connecting anthropology with world literature. The introduction of the ethnographic novel concept and mapping Comaroff’s operations enriches the discussion. De Capitani’s exploration of ethnographic encounters and connections with other writers provides a valuable resource for scholars interested in world literature, anthropology, and literary methodologies. I can use his essay to explore how the novel engages with post-colonial themes. As the article focuses on egocentric and post-colonial narratives, I think it provides useful information that lends to the goal of understanding post-colonial knowing and existence.

Giles, Jana. (2014). Can the Sublime Be Postcolonial? Aesthetics, Politics, and Environment in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide. Cambridge Journal of Postcolonial Literary Inquiry, 1(2), 223-242. doi:10.1017/pli.2014.18.

Jana Giles explores Amitav Ghosh’s “The Hungry Tide,” delving into postcolonial ‘sublime’, aesthetics, politics, and environmental themes. Ghosh’s narrative, set in the Sundarban mangrove forest, navigates colonial legacies and the 1979 Morichjhapi massacre. Giles argues for the novel’s contribution to the postcolonial sublime, emphasizing ecocentric engagement and the challenges to postcolonial state and cosmopolitanism. The essay highlights the active agency of the subaltern, intertwining legends, myths, and history to prompt a vision of a sustainable future.

Jana Giles’ exploration of Amitav Ghosh’s “The Hungry Tide” provides a comprehensive analysis of the novel’s engagement with postcolonial sublime, aesthetics, and environmental themes. The emphasis on ecocentric narratives and the active agency of the subaltern adds depth to the understanding of Ghosh’s work. This source is valuable for scholars interested in postcolonial literature, environmental ethics, and the intricate intersections of aesthetics, politics, and environmentalism. 

Jones, Brandon. “A Postcolonial Utopia for the Anthropocene: Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide and Climate-Induced Migration.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 64, no. 4, 2018, pp. 639–58, https://doi.org/10.1353/mfs.2018.0047.

Brandon Jones explores Amitav Ghosh’s “The Hungry Tide” within the context of postcolonial ecocriticism and climate-induced migration. Addressing the novel’s utopian elements, Jones discusses the Sundarbans region’s threat from climate change. The essay broadens the discourse on Anthropocene fiction, advocating for a form-based approach rather than genre-specific categorization. Jones highlights the novel’s representation of transcultural conflicts, biodiversity loss, and social injustice within a planetary crisis of agency over an extended temporal perspective.

Brandon Jones’ essay provides an examination of Amitav Ghosh’s “The Hungry Tide” in the context of postcolonial ecocriticism and climate-induced migration. The focus on utopian approaches and the wider consideration of Anthropocene fiction contributes to a nuanced understanding of Ghosh’s work. This source is relevant for scholars interested in climate change literature, postcolonial ecocriticism, and the evolving discourse on the Anthropocene.

White, Laura A. “Novel Vision: Seeing the Sunderbans through Amitav Ghosh’s ‘The Hungry Tide.’” Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, vol. 20, no. 3, 2013, pp. 513–31, https://doi.org/10.1093/isle/ist051.

“The Sunderbans Unveiled: Alternative Ways of Knowing in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide”

Laura White’s essay delves into Amitav Ghosh’s “The Hungry Tide,” examining the author’s motive in bringing attention to the Sunderbans. Critiquing dominant visual practices, Ghosh advocates for alternative ways of knowing, challenging the novel to play a transformative role in shaping understanding. White incorporates Walter Mignolo’s concept of epistemic disobedience, suggesting that the novel disrupts colonial visions and embraces nonvisual ways of knowing.

Laura White’s essay provides a nuanced exploration of Amitav Ghosh’s motivations in “The Hungry Tide,” challenging prevailing visual practices and advocating for alternative ways of knowing. The incorporation of Walter Mignolo’s concept adds depth to the discussion, making this source valuable for scholars interested in postcolonial ecocriticism and the intersection of local and global knowledge in literature. White’s work gives emphasis on nonvisual / non-imperial / alternative ways of understanding that break away from colonial convention, which will be useful to me when breaking down the different perspectives on Fokir and Kana in a post-colonial narrative. 

Sukanya Mondal, and Rashmi Gaur. “In Whose Voice Should a Subaltern Speak?: Reading the Problem of Agency in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide.” Transnational Literature, vol. 9, no. 1, 2016.

“In Whose Voice Should a Subaltern Speak? Reading the Problem of Agency in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide”

Sukanya Mondal and Rashmi Gaur’s essay explores the representation of subaltern voices in Amitav Ghosh’s novel “The Hungry Tide.” It contends that the subaltern voice, when discernible, is entangled within the complex interplay of state, civil society, and neoliberal capitalism. Sukanya Mondal and Rashmi Gaur’s essay critically engage with the subaltern voice, aligning directly with my research statement’s focus on Fokir’s representation. Their exploration of power structures and corporate influence contributes to understanding the broader theme of postcolonial knowing and existence. This source sheds light on how voices like Fokir’s navigate and persist beyond colonial narratives. It highlights the multifaceted nature of power dynamics, involving state as well as non-state actors. The discussion on the influence of NGOs and corporate sectors aligns with Hardt and Negri’s perspectives, providing a new lens for understanding the challenges faced by marginalized voices. This source contributes to discussions on agency, power structures, and the complexities of subaltern expression.

Sukanya Mondal, and Rashmi Gaur. “In Whose Voice Should a Subaltern Speak?: Reading the Problem of Agency in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide.” Transnational Literature, vol. 9, no. 1, 2016.

Jones, Brandon. “A Postcolonial Utopia for the Anthropocene: Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide and Climate-Induced Migration.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 64, no. 4, 2018, pp. 639–58, https://doi.org/10.1353/mfs.2018.0047.

White, Laura A. “Novel Vision: Seeing the Sunderbans through Amitav Ghosh’s ‘The Hungry Tide.’” Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, vol. 20, no. 3, 2013, pp. 513–31, https://doi.org/10.1093/isle/ist051.

Dhar, Tej N. “Consciousness-Raising in Amitav Ghosh’s Ecocritical Novel The Hungry Tide.” Crossings, vol. 11, no. 2, 2020, pp. 43–56, https://doi.org/10.59817/cjes.v11i.45.

De Capitani, Lucio. “Exploring the Ethnographic Encounter.” Il Tolomeo (Online), vol. 18, no. 1, 2016, https://doi.org/10.14277/2499-5975/Tol-18

The relationship that I wanted to focus on within my research paper was the one between Fokker and Kanai, as one individual represents better the refugee and native perspective, while another is of a more european representation ie. the colonizer. I think that there’s also something interesting that the novel does not bring in necessarily a European into the novel. I think there’s points there about how imperialism and its modes of knowing are ones that recreate themselves and become the one true kind of valuable and real way. Be it a way of living, or a way of knowing. To this end the research that centers on the text isn’t really useful so I looked for more texts that talked about the ways that Fokir functions and represents the colonized parties’ experience, even after the colonizer has moved on. I was also looking for texts that discussed Kanai and the ways he himself represents a kind of converted native, someone who is fully involved in this post-colonial world. I think the end result or goal is going to be finding pieces that discuss what postcolonial knowing and being really is, and how it lives on. 

In the initial scene of Ben Lerner’s “10:04,” readers are immediately transported into the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling restaurant, serving as a metaphor for the novel’s exploration of contemporary urban life. Lerner  works to call the readers attention to the sensory details within the restaurant, capturing everything from ambient noise to the specifics of the dishes being served. This dynamic New York City establishment becomes a backdrop against which characters and their interactions unfold. The meticulous attention to detail not only establishes a strong sense of place but also provides a lens through which the novel may delve into the intricacies of human connection within a bustling community. I’ve learned in other classes that often it is the chaos and sheer size of the population here in nyc, that encourages people to adopt a blase attitude in which they disassociate almost from the constant amount of people and information, in order to pick and choose who and what receives your actual attention.

The restaurant scene is more than just a static setting; it’s a dynamic space where social interactions and cultural observations converge. Lerner introduces the protagonist’s wordy observational skills, a recurring motif throughout the beginning of the novel. Conversations among patrons intertwine with the narrative, offering glimpses into the complexities of urban relationships and the shared experiences of the characters. By immersing readers in this richly detailed scene, Lerner sets the stage for a broader exploration of societal dynamics, personal relationships, and the interplay between individual experiences and collective identity. Therefore, the restaurant serves as a metaphor, that may be encapsulating one of the novel’s overarching themes and establishing the tone for the intricate story of “10:04.”

How does Ghosh use the relationship between Fokir and Kanai to define a new kind of knowledge, one that utilizes the technology and power of the West, while centering itself on humanistic and indigenous form of knowing?

Fokir’s character in “The Hungry Tide” by Amitav Ghosh embodies the traditional way of life and knowledge of the Sundarbans as a skilled fisherman. He relies on ancestral techniques to navigate treacherous waters, emphasizing his profound connection to the region’s customs and beliefs. In contrast, Piya, a scientist, represents the modern, scientific approach, employing technology and a data-driven mindset to understand the Sundarbans and their unique wildlife. 

Fokir’s character is a central theme in the narrative, evident as he becomes involved in Piya’s scientific expedition. Initially, a significant divide separates their worlds. Fokir is wary of Piya’s modern equipment and methods, which he needs to fully comprehend and trust. However, their shared mission to preserve the natural world, particularly the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, becomes a bridge uniting their distinct approaches. Fokir’s character evolution involves a growing appreciation for scientific knowledge and technology, recognizing their value in conserving the Sundarbans and sustaining the livelihood he depends on. Simultaneously, Piya gains deep respect for Fokir’s traditional wisdom and intimate knowledge of the region. She acknowledges the wisdom passed down through generations and the invaluable role it plays in their shared mission.

The pinnacle of Fokir’s character development is his ultimate sacrifice for Piya at the novel’s end. This selfless act symbolizes the convergence of traditional and modern approaches. In the face of imminent danger, their differing worldviews become inconsequential as they rely on each other’s strengths to navigate the unpredictable Sundarbans. This reflects the novel’s core message of unity between tradition and modernity. Fokir’s transformation signifies the potential for harmonious coexistence between these two approaches, where traditional knowledge enhances the understanding of the environment, and modern methods aid in its study and preservation. This reconciliation between tradition and modernity is a central theme of the novel.

Fokir’s character development serves as a poignant reminder that the clash between these two worlds is not inevitable. Instead, their coexistence can lead to a more comprehensive and effective approach to address the challenges of the ever-changing Sundarbans. Ultimately, Fokir’s character underscores the novel’s message of reconciliation and cooperation between tradition and modernity, portraying the evolving relationship between these two life approaches in the Sundarbans. Personally, I greatly enjoyed The Hungry Tide and I felt that it was a very human story, working to not tell the reader something simple and salacious, but to dignify the different forms of knowledge that exist outside of Western modernity, and had the strength to visualize a world wherein these two things work together to define a new, healing kind of knowledge.