Exploring the Inter-relationship between Humans and Nature: An Eco-psychological Study on Silas House’s Clay’s Quilt and Ki. Rajanarayanan’s Gopallapuram

Vaishnavi C. S.
Full-time Research Scholar, Reg. No: 241131802008,
Department of English, Sree Ayyappa College for Women, Chunkankadai,
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abhishekapatti, Tirunelveli.)
Email: vaishnavicsv@gmail.com

Dr. R. Janatha Kumari
Research Supervisor and Associate Professor,
Department of English, Sree Ayyappa College for Women, Chunkankadai,
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abhishekapatti, Tirunelveli.)

Abstract
Culture, tradition and environment are interconnected to each other, for it explores the identity of a particular group of people. The Appalachian region is filled with rich and varied cultures that narrate the traditions of the Appalachian Mountains that have become an abode of livelihood for distinct groups of people. The region is abundant with natural resources, and the Appalachians have woven stories about their lineage through their environment. The paper does a comparative analysis of Karisal literature with Appalachian literature. The Karisal land is a plain region which encompasses a group of people with multiple cultures and traditions. Karisal literature is a specific fusion of land and distinct cultural narratives. The objective of the study is to throw light on the inter-relationship between humans and nature by reflecting on the changes that occur in nature with that of the disorderliness of the human psyche. By examining Ki. Ra’s Gopallapuram and Silas House’s Clay’s Quilt, the paper unravels the significant role of nature in the life of contemporary American Appalachians and people of the Karisal land, who are affected with urban encroachment activities and personify natural environment by considering it a real witness of their history. The paper has used Eco-Psychological theory as a tool to explore more of the disturbed psyche of humans and their way of finding solace in nature.

Keywords: Culture, Traditions, Appalachians, Karisal, Eco-psychology, Human psyche.