Gun Island

This blog is a task given by Dilip Barad sir, HOD of the Department of English, MKBU. In this particular blog I am going to give answers to some questions related to 'Gun Island' by Amitav Ghosh.

Amitav Ghosh

Amitav Ghosh was born on 11 July 1956. He is an Indian writer. He won the 54th Jnanpith award in 2018, India's highest literary honor. Ghosh's ambitious novels use complex narrative strategies to probe the nature of national and personal identity, particularly of the people of India and South Asia. He has written historical fiction and also written non-fiction works discussing topics such as colonialism and climate change.

Ghosh studied at The Doon School, Dehradun, and earned a doctorate in social anthropology at the University of Oxford. He worked at the Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi and several academic institutions. His first novel The Circle of Reason was published in 1986, which he followed with later fictional works including The Shadow Lines and The Glass Palace. Between 2004 and 2015, he worked on the Ibis trilogy, which revolves around the build-up and implications of the First Opium War. His non-fiction work includes In an Antique Land and The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable.

Ghosh holds two Lifetime Achievement awards and four honorary doctorates. In 2007 he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest honors, by the President of India. In 2010 he was a joint winner, along with Margaret Atwood of a Dan David prize, and in 2011 he was awarded the Grand Prix of the Blue Metropolis festival in Montreal. He was the first English-language writer to receive the award. In 2019 Foreign Policy magazine named him one of the most important global thinkers of the preceding decade.

Key facts of Gun Island

• Full Title: Gun Island 

• Author: Amitav Ghosh 

• Published: 2019 

• Published by: Penguin Random House India 

• Setting: Kolkata, India, Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Los Angeles & Venice

• Narration: First & Third Person 

• Pages: 288-289 

• For: Anna Nadotti and Irene Bignardi 

• Genre: Novel, Climate Fiction (Cli-fi) & Historical 

• Fiction Style: Blending of Realism & Magic Realism

Characters -

Plot -

Ghosh’s novel is divided into two parts, depicting the life of a rare books dealer living in Brooklyn, New York, prior to and following his journey of self-discovery at the hands of the ancient legend of the Gun Merchant. Deen, the novel’s first-person narrator, begins his journey in his home town of Calcutta, India.

During a trip home to visit his family, Deen is provoked to visit the ancient shrine of Manasa Devi, a Goddess of snakes, for the purpose of documenting it before it disappears. While there, his companion, Tipu, is bitten by a King Cobra and develops a gift of visions resulting from this bite. Upon his arrival back in Brooklyn, Deen begins to feel as though he has been possessed by the shrine as well.

While undergoing an existential crisis, Deen is invited to help with a documentary in Venice, Italy. He openly accepts the invitation, but upon his arrival, he begins to feel as though he is remembering memories embedded in his mind by the Gun Merchant. He begins to retrace the journey that the Gun Merchant would have taken through Venice decades prior.

Meanwhile, Tipu has undertaken an immigration journey from India to Venice, by way of Egypt, while being guided by his visions. It is revealed that this is the same route that had been previously taken by the Gun Merchant in his legend. In Egypt, a tornado strikes the connection house where Tipu’s group of refugees is being held, releasing them and enabling them to overthrow their captors. Led by a tall Ethiopian woman, they embark upon a Blue Boat with the destination of Italy.

The Blue Boat’s voyage toward Sicily creates an uproar amongst right-leaning politicians and their supporters. A blockade is created in order to thwart their passage into Europe. The Italian Navy is called upon to defuse the situation and awaits their arrival. The Italian Minister swears that barring a miracle, the Blue Boat’s inhabitants are not to set foot on Italian soil.

Deen hears of the Blue Boat and Tipu’s presence upon it, deciding to meet up with it with a well-meaning group of immigration advocates. Upon their arrival at the final destination of the Blue Boat, they are met with opposition. Along their voyage, a marine biologist amongst them takes notice of the unnatural convergence of dolphins and whales that seem to be following their boat.

Upon the Blue Boat’s arrival, a strange display of dolphins and whales occurs in the sea surrounding them while millions of birds converge above their heads. Directly following this event, the Admiral declares safe passage for the Blue Boat into the Sicilian port. Despite being named a traitor by anti-immigration advocates, the Admiral stands by his actions. He states that he followed the Minister’s directions, as what they witnessed could not be claimed as anything but miraculous.

How does this novel develop your understanding of a rather new genre known as 'cli-fi'?

"Gun Island" stands out as a prominent example of climate fiction, or cli-fi, which delves into the consequences of climate change. Unlike traditional genres, cli-fi paints a picture of a world grappling with environmental shifts caused by global warming. Amitav Ghosh's novel skillfully weaves a narrative around real and imagined scenarios, illustrating the potential outcomes of unchecked climate change. Ghosh references significant events like the 'Bhola' and 'Aila' storms, as well as phenomena like dolphin beachings, floods, and even wildfires in Las Vegas. Additionally, the portrayal of shipworms and spiders in Venice serves as symbolic reminders of the planet's changing ecology. Through these elements, Ghosh not only tells a compelling story but also raises awareness about pressing environmental issues.

Bhola Cyclone-

The Bhola Cyclone stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters in history and is often described as the worst of the 20th century. Striking East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the West Bengal region of India on November 12-13, 1970, the cyclone resulted in an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 fatalities, predominantly in East Pakistan.

Originating over the Bay of Bengal, the cyclone rapidly intensified before hitting land, unleashing devastating storm surges, fierce winds, and torrential rainfall. These destructive forces caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural areas. The low-lying coastal areas of East Pakistan bore the brunt of the storm surges, leading to severe flooding and a massive loss of life.

The aftermath was marked by widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. The absence of early warning systems and inadequate infrastructure compounded the disaster's impact. Relief efforts faced challenges due to the remote locations of many affected areas and political tensions within Pakistan.

The Bhola Cyclone emphasized the susceptibility of coastal communities to natural disasters, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. Following the cyclone, significant steps were taken to bolster cyclone forecasting, warning systems, and disaster response capabilities in the region. The lessons learned from the Bhola Cyclone continue to shape disaster management policies in Bangladesh and neighboring areas today.

Aila Cyclone-

In 2009, Tropical Storm Aila struck Bangladesh and India, triggering floods and mudslides that claimed the lives of at least 191 people and displaced many more. Kolkata, India, experienced strong winds and torrential rainfall, leading to fallen trees, blocked roads, and disrupted transportation services. Despite advance warnings, the storm's severity caught many off guard.

Power outages were widespread, and numerous individuals found themselves stranded at train stations and airports. Although Kolkata was not directly in the storm's path, it still suffered significant damage, underscoring the city's lack of preparedness for such disasters. Despite the challenges, cleanup efforts commenced promptly, and life in Kolkata gradually returned to normalcy. This event emphasized the urgent need for improved disaster management and preparedness measures.

How does Amitav Ghosh use the myth of the Gun Merchant ['Bonduki Sadagar'] & Manasa Devi to initiate discussion on the issues of climate change, migration, the refugee crisis, and human trafficking?

In Amitav Ghosh's "Gun Island," the tale of the Gun Merchant (Bonduki Sadagar) and Manasa Devi serves as a compelling allegory for contemporary issues like climate change, migration, the refugee crisis, and human trafficking.

1. Climate Change:

Ghosh weaves the ancient myth of the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi into the narrative, highlighting the timeless connection between folklore and nature. As the story progresses, the protagonist discerns the relevance of these age-old tales in the face of today's climate change challenges. Ghosh draws parallels between these myths and modern ecological crises, emphasizing the profound impact of environmental degradation on societies.

2. Migration and Refugee Crisis:

The novel portrays characters compelled to migrate due to environmental disruptions like floods and droughts, intensified by climate change. The Gun Merchant myth serves as a symbol for the hardships faced by migrants and refugees, illustrating the challenges of leaving one's homeland in search of safety and livelihood. Through characters like Rafi, Tipu, Bilal, Kabir, Lubna Khala, and Munir, Ghosh delves into the complexities of displacement and highlights the human toll of environmental crises. The interconnectedness between climate change and mass migration is vividly portrayed through these characters' experiences.

3. Human Trafficking:

Ghosh's narrative sheds light on the grim reality of human trafficking, portraying characters trapped in networks that exploit vulnerable migrants. Drawing parallels between the exploitation in the Gun Merchant myth and modern-day human trafficking, Ghosh emphasizes how environmental crises can exacerbate the commodification of human lives. By blending myth and reality, Ghosh highlights the pressing need to address the underlying causes of exploitation and injustice in our rapidly evolving world.

By employing the tale of the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi as a storytelling device, Ghosh delves into the interconnected themes of climate change, migration, the refugee crisis, and human trafficking. Through this intricate weave of ancient folklore and contemporary challenges, Ghosh encourages readers to contemplate the shared human experiences across time and space. He also underscores the imperative for collective action to tackle the urgent global issues we face today.

How does Amitav Ghosh make use of the 'etymology' of common words to sustain mystery and suspense in the narrative?

In "Gun Island," Amitav Ghosh masterfully employs etymology—the study of word origins—to enrich the narrative and add layers of depth. A prime example is his exploration of the Hindi word "bundook," meaning gun. The protagonist, Deen, a rare book dealer, stumbles upon this term while investigating the legend of the Gun Merchant. His quest to trace the word's history leads him to ancient myths and historical events, setting him on a path to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Gun Merchant and the truth behind the legend. The intertwined histories of the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi become pivotal in Deen's exploration of climate change's impact on human lives and ecosystems.

Furthermore, Ghosh weaves the etymology of other words, like "refugee" and "trafficking," into the narrative to illuminate urgent global issues. As Deen encounters refugees escaping environmental catastrophes and victims of human trafficking, he reflects on the origins and implications of these terms. This prompts readers to consider the human narratives hidden behind these labels and the interconnected challenges they face.

The play of words is evident not only in the title but also in the places associated with the Gun Merchant. The title itself is deceptive, as it doesn't directly relate to guns or their trade. Additionally, Ghosh enriches the narrative by introducing Italian words through the character of Gisa and incorporating languages like Bangla, further enhancing the cultural tapestry of the story.

What are your views on the use of myth and history in the novel Gun Island to draw the attention of the reader towards contemporary issues like climate change and migration?

In "Gun Island," Amitav Ghosh intertwines ancient tales and historical events to address pressing contemporary issues such as climate change and migration. By blending these timeless stories with current challenges, Ghosh crafts a captivating narrative that prompts readers to reflect on the state of our world.

Ghosh delves into ancient myths like that of the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi to illustrate the interconnectedness between nature and humanity. He demonstrates how insights from the past can offer valuable perspectives on today's environmental crises. Through these age-old stories, Ghosh encourages readers to contemplate the consequences of our actions on the planet.

Furthermore, Ghosh explores historical accounts to highlight the enduring phenomenon of migration, emphasizing that human movement and displacement have always been part of our history. Drawing parallels between past and present, he draws attention to contemporary issues like refugees fleeing areas impacted by environmental disasters. Ghosh underscores the ongoing nature of these challenges and the need for our collective engagement.

By employing myths and history in "Gun Island," Ghosh enlightens readers about the relevance of the past in understanding current dilemmas. Through this blend of old narratives and modern concerns, Ghosh inspires contemplation on how we can work towards a better future.

Is there any connection between 'The Great Derangement' and 'Gun Island'?

Certainly, there's a thematic link between Amitav Ghosh's "The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable" and his novel "Gun Island."

In "The Great Derangement," Ghosh delves into the conspicuous absence of climate change discussions in contemporary literature and intellectual dialogue. He contends that despite the pressing nature of the climate crisis, it remains largely overlooked in our cultural and literary landscapes.

Conversely, "Gun Island" serves as Ghosh's creative endeavor to address this very gap. Through the novel's narrative, he integrates themes of climate change, environmental degradation, and their profound effects on societies and ecosystems. By doing so, Ghosh engages with the issues he highlights in "The Great Derangement," blending academic insights with fictional storytelling.

While "The Great Derangement" critically examines the cultural response—or lack thereof—to climate change, "Gun Island" represents Ghosh's imaginative approach to these challenges. It acts as a bridge between scholarly discourse and narrative fiction, inviting readers to contemplate the ramifications of climate change through an engaging and accessible narrative.

In essence, "Gun Island" can be viewed as an extension of Ghosh's exploration of climate change's cultural and literary implications. It builds upon the concepts introduced in "The Great Derangement," offering readers a narrative lens through which to explore and understand these complex issues.