The Evolution of Ecopsychological Themes in Naipaul's Writing: A Chronological Study from Early to Late Works

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of ecopsychological themes in V.S. Naipaul's literary works, tracing their development from his early writings to his later novels. Through a chronological analysis of selected texts, including "The Mystic Masseur" (1957), "A House for Mr. Biswas" (1961), "The Mimic Men" (1967), "A Bend in the River" (1979), and "Half a Life" (2001), this study explores how Naipaul's treatment of the relationship between human psychology and the environment changes over time. The research employs close textual analysis and draws on theoretical frameworks from ecopsychology, postcolonial studies, and literary ecocriticism. Findings suggest that Naipaul's engagement with ecopsychological themes becomes increasingly complex and nuanced throughout his career, reflecting broader shifts in environmental consciousness and postcolonial discourse. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on environmental perspectives in postcolonial writing and offers new insights into the development of Naipaul's literary vision.