Environmental Degradation as a Form of Identity Loss and (Re) Construction in Imbolo Mbue’s "How Beautiful We Were"

Abstract

A people’s identity is closely related to their environment. Their sense of belonging can be strengthened or eroded based on how they relate to it. This is one of the reasons why communities make efforts in ensuring that their environment is kept clean. However, in some instances, environmental pollution may arise as a result of the decisions made by those in power which may end up having adverse effects on people’s relationships and rituals. This paper examines how the identity of a village named Kosawa in Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were is eroded as a result of environmental degradation that is fueled by the greed of local leaders and international corporations. Ironically, these environmental problems provide an avenue for women to redefine their identity by challenging traditional gender norms. The paper employs the theory of postcolonial ecocriticism to demonstrate how environmental problems arise from systems of domination. Taiye Selasi’s concept of identity as relationships and rituals has also been used to demonstrate the link between identity loss and environmental degradation. Additionally, this paper uses Judith Butler’s theory of performativity to discuss identity reconstruction.