Hello Everyone,
This blog is a part of Flipped Learning Activity which is based on Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh.
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Teacher's Article : Click here
Worksheet : 1
1. Is Shakespeare mentioned in the novel? Or are his plays referred in the novel?
Ans. Yes. Shakespeare is mentioned in the novel in Three times. In the novel starts the historical Background of Shakespeare’s Venice.
A real-life counterpart of Shylock, Cinta told us, would have lived in Venice’s Jewish enclave, which dated back to the year 1541, when the Venetian Republic had enacted a law allowing Jews to settle in the city on condition that they wore distinctive clothing, did not consort freely with Christians and lived on an island of their own, in the interior.
Second time Shakespeare set those two plays in Venice – it was the only plausible setting for characters like Shylock and Othello.’
Third time Chapter ‘Friends’ in Shakespeare in his play.
2. What is the role of Nakhuda Ilyas in the legend of the Gun Merchant.
[Nakhuda means _________________________________ ]
Ans. There the Gun Merchant had had the good fortune to be purchased by a kindly ship’s captain (the word that Horen used was nakhuda, a term that was in wide use in the old Indian Ocean trade: it had the dual meaning of ‘ship owner’ and ‘ship’s captain’).
In Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh, Nakhuda Ilyas plays a pivotal role as the central figure in the legend of the Gun Merchant, which serves as a narrative thread connecting past and present. Nakhuda Ilyas is depicted as a merchant from Bengal who embarks on perilous voyages to escape the wrath of the goddess Manasa after refusing to worship her. His journey symbolizes human resilience and the inevitable entanglement with forces beyond control, blending myth and history. As the Gun Merchant, his travels take him across oceans and continents, reflecting themes of migration, climate change, and displacement. Through Nakhuda Ilyas's story, Ghosh interweaves folklore with contemporary concerns, highlighting the enduring relevance of cultural myths in understanding modern global crises.
3. Make a table: write name of important characters in one column and their profession in
Another.
Ans.
4. Fill the table. Write the name of relevant character :
5. What sort of comparison between the book and the mobile is presented at the end of the
novel?
Ans.
In Gun Island, the novel highlights the difference between books and mobile phones to show how old and modern ways of connecting work. Books, especially those about myths and history, offer deep knowledge and transport us to different worlds. For example, when the Gun Merchant sees Manasa Devi in a book, it shows how books can connect us to the past and even make us question reality. The mention of an old palm-leaf manuscript reminds us that books also link us to ancient traditions.
On the other hand, mobile phones represent quick and easy communication. Through Piya’s phone, characters like Dinanath can instantly talk to each other, no matter how far apart they are. Emails and the Internet allow people to share information quickly, making it easier to stay connected and take action immediately. This shows how modern technology enables real-time communication, something books cannot do.
In the end, the novel shows that both books and mobile phones help us connect in unique ways. Books create a deeper bond with the past and encourage us to think, while mobile phones let us communicate instantly with people around the world. Both are tools for sharing stories, but they reflect how communication has evolved over time.
6. Tell me something about Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island in 100 words.
Ans. Amitav Ghosh's Gun Island is a compelling novel that blends history, mythology, and contemporary issues like migration and climate change. Set across multiple locations, it follows Deen Datta, a scholar who embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery behind the legend of the Gun Merchant, Nakhuda Ilyas. As Deen’s personal and professional life intertwines with the global crisis of displacement, the narrative explores the intersections of past and present, the tensions between tradition and modernity, and the impacts of environmental disasters. Ghosh’s novel emphasizes interconnectedness and the shifting dynamics of global human existence.
7. What is the central theme of Amitav Ghosh’s novel ‘Gun Island’?
Ans.
Migration and Displacement: The novel explores the global issue of migration caused by climate change, with people being forced to move due to environmental disasters, particularly rising sea levels.
Interconnectedness: It emphasizes how human lives are interconnected across time and space, with events from the past impacting the present and future.
Myth and History: Ghosh blends myth, folklore, and history, particularly through the legend of the Gun Merchant, to highlight themes of survival, identity, and cultural memory.
Climate Change: The novel addresses the environmental crisis and its impact on people’s lives, especially those living in coastal regions.
Tradition vs. Modernity: It reflects on the tensions between tradition and modernity, examining how modernity shapes human relationships and cultural practices.
Globalization: The narrative captures the effects of globalization on individuals and communities, showcasing the blurred lines between the local and the global.
Worksheet : 2
1. Write 10-12 words about climate change in the novel. Mention number of times they recur.
Ans.
2. Explain the title of the novel. [Key words: venedig, hazelnut]
Ans.
The title Gun Island refers to the mythical place Bonduk-dwip, where the Gun Merchant seeks refuge. The word "gun" symbolizes conflict and colonial histories, while "island" represents isolation and survival amidst disasters. The legend, initially seen by Deen as a mere fantasy, gains depth through Cinta's insights. She connects "Bonduki Sadagar" to Venice, revealing how historical events like the Ottoman Empire's decline, the slave trade, and the spread of gunpowder influenced the tale.
Places like the "Land of Palm Sugar Candy" (Egypt) and the "Land of Kerchiefs" (Rumelia) align with real trade routes, showing how myths can reflect historical realities. The term "Bonduki Sadagar," meaning "Gun Merchant," is likely a distorted reference to a merchant who traveled to Venice (Bunduqeyya in Arabic).
The title Gun Island becomes a metaphor for history, memory, and cultural interconnectedness. It highlights how myths, shaped by real events, evolve over time, blending fantasy with historical truths.
3. Match the characters with the reasons for migration (Video 4 Human Trafficking/Migration)
Ans.
4. Match the theorist with the theoretical approach to study mythology (Video 2 Historification
of Myth and Mythification of History)
Ans.
5. Please summarize this article - https://posthumanism.in/articles/towards-a-
postcolonialhuman-culture-revisiting-amitav-ghoshs-gun-island-as-a-fall-of-eurocentric-
humanism-by-saikat-chakraborty/
Ans.
Towards a post(colonial)human culture: Revisiting Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island as a fall of Eurocentric humanism by Saikat Chakraborty
In "Towards a Post(colonial) Human Culture: Revisiting Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island as a Fall of Eurocentric Humanism", Saikat Chakraborty offers a detailed analysis of Ghosh’s novel through the lens of postcolonial theory, arguing that Gun Island challenges the central tenets of Eurocentric humanism. Chakraborty suggests that the novel critiques the Western conception of humanity, particularly the hierarchical separation between humans and animals, and the assumption that Western thought and rationality are universal.
He draws attention to how Gun Island weaves indigenous mythologies and cultural narratives into its plot, highlighting the significance of non-Western worldviews that have long been overshadowed by colonial history. The novel, according to Chakraborty, represents a postcolonial reimagining of human identity, one that embraces a more inclusive and fluid understanding of what it means to be human. By reviving ancient mythologies, such as the story of the Gun Merchant, and drawing connections between these stories and contemporary issues like migration, environmental change, and colonialism, Gun Island resists the reductionist framework of colonial rationality.
Chakraborty contends that the novel is not just a critique of Western humanism but also a call for a new kind of human culture—one that is deeply interconnected with the environment and the histories of marginalized peoples. He argues that Ghosh’s narrative offers a vision of human culture that transcends the rigid, anthropocentric views of the colonial era, advocating for a more holistic, postcolonial approach to understanding humanity’s place in the world.
Overall, the article emphasizes how Gun Island challenges the dominance of Eurocentric humanism by offering a more inclusive and ecologically attuned vision of humanity, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of human cultures, nature, and history. Through this analysis, Chakraborty positions the novel as a significant postcolonial text that critiques colonial legacies and proposes an alternative way of thinking about the human experience.
6. Suggest research possibilities in Amitav Ghosh’s novel ‘Gun Island’.
Ans.
Myth as a Catalyst for Understanding Human Culture: The Role of the Gun Merchant Legend in Gun Island
Ecocritical Perspectives in Gun Island
The Fall of Eurocentric Humanism: Modernity and the Changing Nature of Human Culture in Gun Island
Posthumanism and Humanism: A Philosophical Analysis of Ghosh’s Gun Island
7. Generate a sonnet on Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island
Ans.
Upon the shores where ancient tales are told,
The Gun Island rises from the misted sea,
Where myths and histories in whispers fold,
And human hearts are torn by destiny.
In tides of change, the world begins to drown,
As migrants roam from lands of earth and sky,
The storm of climate’s wrath, a mighty crown,
Forcing the lost to question, "How and why?"
Yet through the haze of myth, a truth does gleam—
That human culture weaves through time and space,
A tale of past and present in a dream,
Where history and hope both find their place.
In Gun Island's wake, we find our soul's plight,
A dance of change beneath the moonlit night.
8. Write Multiple Choice Questions on Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island.
Ans.
1. What central theme does Gun Island explore through its narrative?
A) Colonialism and independence
B) Migration, displacement, and climate change
C) The role of technology in society
D) The rise of modern capitalism
2. The character Piya Roy in Gun Island is p
rimarily involved in which field?
A) Literature
B) Science and ecology
C) History and archeology
D) Journalism
3. What role do myths and folklore play in Gun Island?
A) They serve as a backdrop to the plot, offering symbolic meaning
B) They are dismissed as irrelevant to the storyline
C) They are used to represent modern-day technology
D) They are central to the characters' financial success
4. In the context of Gun Island, the term “postcolonial humanism” refers to:
A) A critique of Eurocentric ideas and embracing indigenous knowledge
B) The rise of Western global dominance
C) The rejection of all human cultures in favor of nature
D) The establishment of universal human rights through Western ideologies
9. With the help of Google Translate, write Hindi & English translation of 5 Italian words from
the novel.
Ans.
Characters and Summary
Characters and Summary - 1 | Sundarbans | Gun Island
The video explores the characters and themes in Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island, focusing on the Sundarbans and its deep connections between humans, nature, and migration. The story follows Deen Datta, a Brooklyn book dealer who returns to Bengal drawn by a mysterious legend. Deen undergoes a transformation from skepticism to understanding humanity’s impact on nature and the links between myths and real-world issues. Other characters include Piya Roy, a marine scientist dedicated to protecting the Sundarbans’ ecosystem through science and action; Cinta, an academic who helps uncover the connections between myths, history, and global events; and Rafi and Tipu, young individuals displaced by climate change, highlighting its human cost. Each character reflects themes like resilience, adaptation, and harmony with nature.
Characters and Summary - 2 | Sundarbans | Gun Island
In this video significant themes and ideas. Central to the narrative is the pressing issue of climate change and natural calamities, as exemplified by the wildfires in Los Angeles, which underline the universality of environmental crises, affecting both rich and poor regions. The novel also explores the interplay between rationality and irrationality, emphasizing the equal importance of both in understanding the world. It critiques blind progress and development, portraying characters like Lisa, who face backlash and conspiracy theories for their ecological warnings, mirroring real-life challenges faced by activists. Mythical and historical connections enrich the narrative, particularly the story of a gun merchant traveling from India to Venice, with insights into the etymology of words like "ghetto," originally meaning "foundry." Migration and the plight of refugees form a crucial thread, as characters adopt refugee children and document migration stories, shedding light on struggles faced by migrants from Bangladesh and India. Language and its cultural significance are also emphasized, with a focus on preserving the original sounds and meanings of words. The narrative incorporates social and political commentary, addressing issues like xenophobia, misinformation, and refugee crises. Folklore and miraculous elements further intertwine with the protagonist’s journey, drawing parallels between historical myths and contemporary experiences. The story features progressive characters who challenge societal norms and strive for inclusivity, adding depth and relevance to the narrative's broader themes.
In this video 4 parts talks about
Gun Island
Land of Palm Sugar Candy( Taal misri desh)
Land of Kerchies
Island of Chains
Summary - 3 | Venice
The second part of Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh focuses on Dinanath’s journey to Venice, unraveling myths, historical connections, and migratory stories. The narrative reinterprets the story of the Gun Merchant (Banduki Saudagar) as an Indian merchant who traveled to Venice, rather than one dealing with guns. The title Gun Island originates from the etymological connection of the word "gun" with Venice, derived from Arabic and Byzantine roots. The story juxtaposes Venice with Varanasi, portraying both cities as "portals in time" that symbolize spiritual journeys, decay, and mortality, linking past traditions with the present.
A significant theme in this part is migration and the struggles of refugees. Dinanath encounters Bangladeshi migrants in Venice, including Rafi and Lubna Khala, whose lives reflect displacement caused by environmental crises like floods. Their stories highlight human trafficking, exploitation, and the harsh realities of illegal migration, drawing modern parallels to the slave trade of earlier centuries. The narrative also touches on the exploitation of migrants through organ trafficking, portraying a grim view of their plight.
Climate change and environmental degradation are central to the story. Events such as wildfires, rising tides, and the invasion of species like shipworms and spiders in Venice underscore the effects of global warming. These ecological shifts threaten the city’s very foundation, linking the environmental crisis to the human migration it forces. The novel’s exploration of these themes is complemented by debates between characters who interpret events through rational or mystical lenses. While Pia provides scientific explanations, Chinta leans toward mystical interpretations, creating a tension between belief and logic.
The role of women is significant in this part. Lubna Khala serves as a maternal figure for Bangladeshi workers, ensuring their safety and livelihood. Additionally, a mysterious Ethiopian woman appears as a guardian angel for the migrants, echoing the mythical protection offered by Mansa Devi in the legend of the Gun Merchant. These characters add depth to the novel’s exploration of migration and survival.
The narrative builds toward dramatic climatic events, including high tides in Venice, tornadoes, and the rescue of migrants stranded on a blue boat. These moments highlight the resilience of individuals and communities amidst adversity. Chinta’s death aboard the boat reflects the Indian philosophical concept of ichha mrityu (death at will), symbolizing acceptance of mortality.
The novel also critiques societal and political issues, including capitalism, climate change denial, and the demonization of migrants. By humanizing the struggles of migrants, it challenges stereotypes perpetuated by popular media and right-wing narratives. Philosophical reflections on migration are interwoven, contrasting past motivations driven by books with present desires fueled by social media, which often present an illusion of a better world.
Thematic Study
Etymological Mystery | Title of the Novel
The video discusses the thematic and etymological intricacies in Amitav Ghosh's novel Gun Island. A significant portion focuses on the etymological mystery surrounding the title. The word "gun" in Gun Island does not refer to firearms or gun trade. Instead, it symbolizes "Venice," derived from the Venetian dialect where "ghetto" originally meant a foundry for manufacturing bullets and armaments. This transformation is further explored through the etymological journey of "banduk" (gun), which traveled through various languages like German, Arabic, and Persian, connecting it to Venice. Ghosh highlights how the meanings of words evolve across cultures and languages, often distorting their original sense, a phenomenon referred to as "lost in translation."
The novel also delves into the etymology of other words such as "booth" and "possession." For example, "booth" stems from the Sanskrit word "bhu," meaning "being" or "existence," but over time it has come to signify "ghost." Similarly, "possession," commonly associated with demonic influence, is reinterpreted in the novel as an awakening or realization of new truths. This reinterpretation sheds light on how cultural and religious narratives shape meanings over time, often assigning negative connotations to certain words or phenomena.
Chinta, a historian in the novel, plays a key role in exploring the historical and cultural shifts in language. For instance, the word "ghetto" originally referred to foundries in Venice but later became synonymous with Jewish settlements. The narrative also connects multiple geographic locations, such as Venice, Egypt, Turkey, and Sicily, through the etymology of words like "banduk," "misery," and "rumali," reinforcing the novel’s themes of migration and globalization.
Symbols and myths are deeply embedded in the narrative, adding layers to the etymological exploration. The novel uses shrines, legends, and symbols such as the spider (linked to the Gun Merchant’s story) to address contemporary issues like ecological changes caused by global warming. These elements demonstrate how history, myth, and language intertwine in the novel to provide deeper insights into cultural and environmental transformations.
Finally, Gun Island extends its etymological discussions to a philosophical plane. The novel suggests that the past is not confined to history but exists in the present through memory and cultural practices. Through linguistic exploration and cross-cultural connections, Amitav Ghosh portrays language as a bridge between cultures, histories, and myths. This unique narrative approach encourages readers to rethink migration, climate change, and human trafficking through the lens of etymology, making language a central element of the novel's thematic fabric.
Part I - Historification of Myth & Mythification of History
Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island explores the intricate relationship between myth and history, highlighting the themes of historification of myth and mythification of history. At the heart of the narrative lies the legend of Mansa Devi and the Gun Merchant (Banduki Saudagar), which initially appears fantastical with elements like curses, cobras, and magical shrines. However, through the character of Chinta, a historian, the myth is decoded and linked to real historical locations such as Venice, Egypt, Turkey, and Sicily. Symbolic elements like the hooded snake, an island within an island, and a spider are revealed to be historical markers, such as the Venetian ghetto and venomous spiders. This demonstrates how historical truths can be obscured and transformed into myths over time, shaped by the evolution of language and cultural memory.
The novel draws connections between the myth and contemporary issues, particularly human trafficking and climate change. The Gun Merchant’s capture and enslavement by pirates in the myth is paralleled with the plight of modern-day refugees and migrants like Tipu, Rafi, Bilal, and Kabir. This parallel emphasizes that while the methods of exploitation may have changed, the essence remains the same. Similarly, myths of divine interventions, such as floods or storms, are reframed as warnings about environmental degradation, drawing attention to humanity’s denial of climate change. Ghosh also expands the scope of the narrative, incorporating global locations like the Sundarbans, Venice, and Los Angeles, and including animals like spiders, serpents, and dolphins, emphasizing an interconnected culture shared by all living beings on Earth.
To analyze myths, the document references four academic approaches: functionalism, which examines the societal role of myths; structuralism, which identifies underlying patterns of human thought; psychoanalysis, which links myths to unconscious fears and desires; and myth and ritual theory, which connects myths to cultural practices. Through these lenses, Ghosh illustrates that myths are not mere stories but encode historical truths and cultural insights that continue to shape human understanding. By intertwining myth with history, Gun Island underscores the enduring relevance of the past in addressing present-day concerns like migration, exploitation, and environmental crises, urging readers to view myths as a lens for interpreting historical and cultural realities.
Part II | Historification of Myth and Mythification of History
Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island explores the interconnection between myth, history, and contemporary events, blending them into a cohesive narrative. The story incorporates three distinct layers: the Bengali folklore of Mansa Devi and the Gun Merchant (Banduki Saudagar), a historically plausible narrative set during the 17th century, and modern-day issues like climate change, migration, and human trafficking. Through these layers, Ghosh highlights how myths often encode historical truths and remain relevant to contemporary challenges. The myth of Mansa Devi, for instance, is reimagined as a reflection of ecological calamities and humanity’s relationship with nature.
This video emphasizes four analytical tools for studying myths, which are applied to the novel. The myth and ritual approach, proposed by Jane Harrison and Emil Durkheim, suggests that myths emerge to explain collective rituals, such as Dinanath’s pilgrimage to Mansa Devi’s shrine, symbolizing human-nature harmony. Functionalism (Bronislaw Malinowski) sees myths as legitimizing cultural norms, like respecting nature to prevent calamities. Structuralism (Claude Lévi-Strauss) analyzes myths through binary oppositions, such as East (magical, holistic) vs. West (rational, scientific), revealing how Gun Island bridges global perspectives. Finally, psychoanalysis (Freud) interprets myths as reflections of collective fears and desires, such as humanity’s anxiety about environmental degradation and cultural loss.
The novel also reinterprets ancient myths to address current ecological and social crises. Natural disasters, such as wildfires in the U.S. and floods in Saudi Arabia, parallel the wrath of Mansa Devi in the myth, symbolizing nature’s response to human negligence. The story critiques modern practices that exploit nature, such as large-scale religious constructions, and contrasts them with the sacred groves of the past, which protected forests and wildlife. By retelling myths in a contemporary context, Gun Island highlights the urgency of ecological awareness, the consequences of disregarding nature, and the importance of building a global, inclusive perspective that bridges cultural and historical divides.
Part III - Historification of Myth and Mythification of History
Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island intricately weaves myth and history, illustrating how myths often encode historical truths and how historical events can take on mythical qualities over time. The narrative blends the legend of Mansa Devi and the Gun Merchant (Banduki Saudagar), historical events like 17th-century calamities, and contemporary issues such as migration, human trafficking, and climate change. By doing so, the novel reflects on humanity’s relationship with nature, cautioning against disrupting ecological balance and emphasizing that myths are more than mere stories—they are warnings embedded with cultural and environmental significance.
The novel critiques binary oppositions such as East (intuitive, spiritual) versus West (rational, scientific), challenging the stereotypes associated with these categories. Characters like Dinanath, Chinta, and Piyali embody and transcend these binaries, illustrating that individuals cannot be reduced to simplistic cultural labels. Ghosh argues for a holistic perspective that combines Western scientific inquiry with Eastern storytelling traditions to address global issues like climate change, human migration, and ecological degradation. Through its diverse characters and themes, Gun Island promotes a unified approach to understanding and solving these crises.
Four Analytical Tools for Myths:
Myth and Ritual (Jane Harrison and Emil Durkheim): Rituals, like pilgrimages to Mansa Devi’s shrine, inspire myths that evolve over time.
Functionalism (Bronislaw Malinowski): Myths legitimize cultural norms and communal behaviors, as seen in the reverence for nature and ecological harmony in the story.
Structuralism (Claude Lévi-Strauss): Myths are analyzed through binary oppositions, such as rationality vs. superstition, revealing cultural and historical tensions.
Psychoanalysis (Freud): Myths are cultural dreams, expressing repressed desires and fears. In Gun Island, this includes humanity’s anxiety about migration, mortality, and environmental destruction.
Furthermore, Ghosh’s use of Brecht’s concept of historification connects past events to contemporary issues, turning everyday occurrences into historical moments with universal relevance. By reinterpreting myths, Ghosh uncovers truths about the Anthropocene era, emphasizing the urgent need for humans to adopt an ecocentric perspective and repair their relationship with nature.
Climate Change
Amitav Ghosh’s works The Great Derangement and Gun Island explore the theme of climate change, emphasizing its importance as a critical issue in contemporary literature. Ghosh critiques modern novels for their inability to adequately address ecological crises and uses Gun Island as a direct response to this gap. He combines myth, history, and present-day realities to highlight the interconnectedness of human actions and natural disasters. Myths like that of Mansa Devi and the Gun Merchant serve as allegories for humanity’s fraught relationship with nature, offering warnings about the consequences of exploiting the environment. Ghosh incorporates uncanny elements, such as Chinta communicating with her deceased daughter, to reflect the surreal and unsettling nature of today’s climate events, which often defy logical understanding.
The novels also delve into the impact of colonialism and capitalism on the environment. Ghosh critiques how colonial powers disregarded indigenous knowledge systems, particularly in urban planning, leading to unsustainable development near vulnerable coastlines. He highlights the role of capitalism in perpetuating environmental degradation through activities like deforestation, mining, and reliance on fossil fuels. Advocating for a “managed retreat” from coastal areas, Ghosh challenges the colonial and capitalist obsession with exploiting nature, suggesting that ethical and practical solutions lie in respecting ecological limits rather than constructing barriers like seawalls.
Religious institutions are presented as potential allies in the fight against climate change. Ghosh argues that religious organizations, rooted in intergenerational responsibilities, can mobilize people more effectively than traditional governance systems. He cites examples like the Chipko movement and Pope Francis’s environmental advocacy to show how faith-based leadership can promote ecological preservation. Ultimately, Ghosh integrates characters from various global regions to underscore the universal impact of climate change.
Migration
Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island explores the critical themes of migration, human trafficking, and the refugee crisis, reflecting on the global humanitarian challenges of our time. Ghosh examines how various factors, including natural calamities, religious persecution, poverty, and socioeconomic disparities, force individuals to migrate. The novel critiques modern societies' selfish tendencies, where nationalism, religious biases, and economic self-interest often overshadow the basic human need to assist displaced individuals. By presenting migration as a multi-faceted and pervasive issue, Ghosh highlights the growing indifference toward the struggles of refugees and migrants.
Types of Migration Explored in the Novel:
Climate Refugees: Characters migrate from sinking areas like the Sundarbans due to rising sea levels and climate-induced disasters.
Religious Persecution: The plight of Rohingya Muslims and others forced to flee due to communal violence is depicted.
Poverty-driven Migration: Characters like Rafi and Tipu leave the Sundarbans in search of better economic opportunities.
Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking: Ghosh portrays the dangers of illegal migration, including exploitation by traffickers, unsafe journeys, and inhumane living conditions
Set against the backdrop of key locations like the Sundarbans and Venice, both symbolic of ecological fragility, the novel integrates uncanny elements, such as Tipu's seizures and visions after a cobra bite, to add a surreal dimension to the migration narrative. Ghosh also contrasts the aspirations of young individuals like Palash, who migrate for better opportunities despite their stable socioeconomic conditions, with the struggles of those fleeing dire poverty. Ultimately, the novel critiques global indifference to migration and displacement, shedding light on humanity's persistent inability to address these crises with empathy and solidarity.
Barad, Dilip. “Flipped Learning Activity Instructions: Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh.” ResearchGate, Jan. 2025, www.researchgate.net/publication/388143893_Flipped_Learning_Activity_Instructions_Gun_Island_by_Amitav_Ghosh.
DoE-MKBU. “Characters and Summary - 1 | Sundarbans | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 17 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn70pnUIK1Y.
---. “Characters and Summary - 2 | USA | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 17 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiYLTn7cWm8.
---. “Climate Change | the Great Derangement | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 21 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_3tD4voebA.
---. “Etymological Mystery | Title of the Novel | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 19 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yg5RmjBlTk.
---. “Migration | Human Trafficking | Refugee Crisis | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 21 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLeskjjZRzI.
---. “Part I - Historification of Myth and Mythification of History | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 21 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBLsFEKLGd0.
---. “Part II | Historification of Myth and Mythification of History | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 23 Jan. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2HerbJ5-g.
---. “Part III - Historification of Myth and Mythification of History | Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 23 Jan. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVLqxT_mUCg.
---. “Summary - 3 | Venice | Part 2 of Gun Island | Amitav Ghosh.” YouTube, 18 Jan. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3n_rrRG9M.
Ghosh, Amitav. Gun Island: A Novel. 2019.
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