Exploring Ruskin Bond’s Environment Ethics in His Selected Short Stories

Abstract

This paper explores the themes of environment ethics in Ruskin Bond's selected short stories. Bond, a pioneer of children’s literature, narrates stories that not only motivate readers with their simplicity but also impart profound ethical lessons. The term, ‘ethics’ denotes an enquiry about the ways of life and the code of conduct in a sustainable society. This ‘green study’ sheds light on how Bond's short stories serve as a repository of wisdom, guiding readers towards a path of environment ethics and eco-consciousness. By critically interpreting selected short stories, this study seeks to explore the impact of Bond's storytelling method to shape values and ethical sensibilities, making them essential reads for anyone seeking both literary delight and moral enlightenment. As Ruskin Bond has the perfect understanding of the child psychology, he believes in fostering curiosity, imagination, and a love for learning amongst children. His stories often encourage young minds to appreciate the flora and fauna around them. This scholarly paper includes stories such as The Cherry tree, The Coral Tree, Most Beautiful, The Funeral, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, Dust on the Mountain and other stories dealing with environment ethics. In The Cherry Tree, Bond narrates the affinity between a growing cherry tree and a young boy, named Rakesh. Likewise, Bond delicately reveals the reactionary attitudes of the child protagonists in his other stories. Ruskin Bond has been regarded as one of the topmost bestsellers for a couple of decades since his publication of his bildungsroman The Room on the Roof (1956). He is a prescribed author in the curriculum of ICSE, CBSE, WBBSE and WBCHSE for his stories are part of school texts.