ECOLOGICAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN IGBO POETRY: AN ECOCRITICAL READING OF NKA OKWU

Abstract

This study critically examines the ecological consciousness embedded in Nka Okwu (1979), through an ecocritical lens. It explores how the poet integrates nature imagery and environmental themes to reflect the profound connection between the Igbo people and their ecological landscape. Employing a qualitative approach, this study investigates Maduekwe’s representation of the natural environment, his critique of environmental degradation, and his underlying advocacy for its preservation in selected poems. Six (6) poems were purposively selected and closely read to delineate the ecological sensitivity of the poet. The findings reveal that Maduekwe’s poetry functions not only as a literary aesthetic but also a means of connecting ecological realities with human experiences, reinforcing the intersection between humans and the natural environment. Furthermore, the poet immerses readers in the natural world through the use of vivid imagery by personifying natural elements and making them an active participant in human existence rather than a passive entity. The study concludes that through an ecocritical analysis Maduekwe’s poetic engagement with the environment transcends mere description but awakens ecological awareness, allowing readers to experience the beauty and fragility of nature firsthand. It also contributes to the broader ecocritical discourse and underscores the profound role of nature in shaping ecological consciousness by demonstrating how indigenous poetic works engage with environmental issues.