Abstract
Eco-criticism as a newly emerged theory pays attention to environmental issues. It aims to grow awareness about the planet and identifies factors damaging nature. James Hilton in his famous utopian novel Lost Horizon notifies human beings of the horrific consequences of war and other violent actions. He draws the reader’s attention to a world which is on the brink of destruction due to the war and its aftermath. On the other hand, he creates a harmonious society for the war-weary people who flee their places due to the political tensions. Throughout the novel, Milton expresses his anger toward the politicians who have put life and nature at stake. As nowadays, the trench of warfare has exceeded human miseries; it has resulted in several environmental problems. This article aimed to examine the novel and its depiction of the horrors of war from an ecocritical perspective. Hilton’s novel, as an eco-fictional work, demonstrated an apocalyptic world dominated by horrors of war. On the other hand, it also demonstrated a tranquil world which is free of war and natural destruction.
Highlights
Eco-criticismThroughout history there has been a close link between environment and human being
James Hilton in Lost Horizon creates an idyllic world for Conway and his other three companions, a world that everyone would hope to live in, a world which is quite different from the outside world
To put it another way, James Hilton’s main aim in creating such a utopia is to save humanity and nature and to notify humankind of another destruction which he calls it Dark Ages: He foresaw a time when men, exultant in the technique of homicide, would rage so hotly over the world that every precious thing would be in danger, every book and picture and harmony, every treasure garnered through two millenniums, the small, the delicate, the defenseless—all would be lost like the lost books Livy, or wrecked as the English wrecked the Summer Palace in Pekin. (Hilton, 1933, p. 192)
Summary
Throughout history there has been a close link between environment and human being This link has been represented through ecofictional works. An American man and a British missionary, Miss Roberta Berinklow who want to escape the political unrest in the city of Baskul (Hilton, 1933). As they attempt to flee the country, they board a plane and they have no clue that they have been kidnapped. Chang is the group leader of the Chinese men who speaks English He speaks with Conway and his colleagues; he offers them assistance. They decide to go with Chang, and he guides them to a place called the valley of the Blue Moon or Shangri-La
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