An In-Depth Analysis Of Solastalgia In The Maddaddam Trilogy

Abstract

Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam Trilogy, comprising Oryx and Crake (2003), The Year of the Flood (2009), and Maddaddam (2013), serves as a captivating exploration of solastalgia within a dystopian narrative. Solastalgia, a term coined by environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht, represents the psychological distress stemming from environmental change and degradation, where individuals experience longing and grief for a familiar yet altered environment. In this trilogy, Atwood weaves solastalgia into the narrative's fabric, skillfully portraying the complex interplay between humanity and its changing surroundings. Within the Anthropocene epoch, marked by human-induced environmental transformations, the trilogy unfolds in a world deeply scarred by climate change, corporate greed, and genetic engineering. Characters such as Jimmy (Snowman), Toby, Ren, and others grapple with the consequences of these environmental shifts, manifesting solastalgic symptoms including anxiety, depression, and nostalgia. Their experiences poignantly reflect the profound emotional impact of environmental change on individuals. This research article examines the various manifestations of solastalgia in the trilogy, shedding light on the characters' experiences,and the impact of environmental destruction