This blog is a part of a Thinking Activity on Gun Island given by Dilip Barad sir, HOD of the Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I am going to give answers to some questions (Click Here) related to 'Gun Island' by Amitav Ghosh.
KEY FACTS:-
Full Title: Gun Island
Author: Amitav Ghosh
Published: 2019
Published by: Penguin Random House India
Setting: Kolkata, India, Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Los Angeles & Venice (Google Earth) (Google)
Fiction Style: Blending of Realism & Magic Realism
AMITAV GHOSH:-
Amitav Ghosh is a famous Indian writer known for his novels exploring identity in India and Southeast Asia. He was born in Kolkata in 1956 and grew up in various countries due to his father's job as a diplomat. After studying in Delhi and Oxford, he worked as a teacher before turning to full-time writing. His early novels like "The Circle of Reason" and "The Shadow Lines" gained international acclaim for their unique storytelling. Later, he ventured into science fiction with "The Calcutta Chromosome" and explored historical events in novels like "The Glass Palace" and "Sea of Poppies. In recent works like "Gun Island" and "Jungle Nama," Ghosh addresses themes like climate change. Besides novels, he has written nonfiction books and received prestigious awards, including the Jnanpith Award in 2018, making him the first English-language writer to win this honor in India. (Luebering)
Here is a video on YouTube of Author Amitav Ghosh speaking to The Quint's H R Venkatesh on the release of his new book, Flood of Fire. In this short clip, Ghosh speaks of using different language-words in his book, and the lack of diversity in English.
'GUN ISLAND':-
CHARACTERS:-
👉This book is divided into two parts and in that they are various chapters.
INTRODUCTION FROM ORIGINAL TEXT:-
On a visit to his birthplace, Kolkata, a Brooklyn-based dealer in rare books finds his life becoming entangled with an ancient legend about the goddess of snakes Manasa Devi. While visiting the temple, deep within the vast mangrove forest of Bengal, he has a disturbing encounter with the most feared, and revered, of Indian snacks, King cobra. This is followed by a series of increasingly uncanny episodes that seem to dissolve the borders of the human and non-human.
Peopled with a diverse cast of characters, and set in places that range from the Sundarbans to Los Angeles and Venice, this is a story about a world in which creatures and beings of every kind have been torn loose from their accustomed homes by the catastrophic processes of displacement that are now unfolding across the Earth, at and ever-increasing pace. It is a story about a man whose faith in the world is restored by two remarkable women. (Ghosh)
PLOT OF THE 'GUN ISLAND':-
PART 1 - THE GUN MERCHANT:-
The narrator, Deen Datta, visits Kolkata every winter and is there now. At a wedding, Deen's distant relative Kanai tells him about a legendary figure called "Bonduki Sadagar" and a shrine associated with him in the Sundarbans. Kanai says his aunt Nilima knows more about this legend. Deen visits Nilima, who tells him the story of how she first heard about the Gun Merchant's shrine in 1970. After a devastating cyclone hit the Sundarbans, Nilima visited the shrine which had magically protected a nearby village. The caretaker of the shrine tells Nilima the legend - similar to the classic tale of the merchant Chand who angers the snake goddess Manasa Devi. In this story, the Gun Merchant angers the goddess and flees to a place called Gun Island, but she haunts him everywhere until he agrees to build her a shrine in Bengal. Intrigued by the story but unsure about visiting the remote shrine himself, Deen meets Piya, she encourages him to visit and promises her friend Moyna will arrange everything smoothly. Deen agrees to think it over and confirm the next day.
Second Chapter Cinta - Cinta unexpectedly calls Deen from an airport lounge in Venice. She recalls a brief moment from decades ago when she visited Kolkata - standing with Deen outside a tent where there was a performance about the goddess Manasa Devi. Deen looks back in his journal from that visit and finds the description matches Cinta's recollection. He provides more background on getting to know Cinta during her research visit to his university library in the US Midwest. - Here comes the brief story of Cinta’s life - This adds intrigue to the reappearance of the Manasa Devi legend in Deen's own life recently. The next morning, Cinta learns about the tragedy that sent Deen to America - his activist girlfriend Durga being killed in a police encounter likely set up by her comrades. - Cinta recommends Deen for a job in the rare books business in New York and they maintain a lifelong friendship. After her call reminding him not to always take the easy path, Deen decides to visit the Gun Merchant's shrine in the Sundarbans after all.
Deen also encounters a charismatic Bengali businessman named Tipu, who becomes his guide and confidant. As Deen explores Gun Island and its surroundings, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including Tipu, a charismatic Bengali businessman who becomes his guide and confidant. Together, they uncover clues that suggest the legend of Gun Island may have some basis in reality. Deen grapples with questions of identity and belonging, particularly as he reconnects with his Indian heritage after years of living in the United States. He reflects on his family's history of migration and displacement, as well as his own experiences as an immigrant in America. When Deen goes to the shrine he observers everything and symbols which are on the Shrine. There he also knows more about Tipu and that he is great in Technology.
As Deen mentions the possibility of the myth being true, a cobra suddenly appears behind him. Rafi notices the danger and alerts Deen, but before they can react, the cobra strikes, biting Tipu. Tipu cries out in pain as the venom quickly spreads through his body. The poison courses through Tipu's veins, causing him to convulse and lose consciousness. In his delirium, Tipu manages to utter, "Rani is in danger." Somehow they save him. After all this Deen returns to Brooklyn. Here he got a message about a seminar in Los Angeles. Now, Tipu uses the mail bonduki@bonduki.com and asks Deen questions: Do you believe in Bhoot? What is the meaning of Possession? When he was in Brooklyn he got a message from Piya that there is Wildfire in Los Angeles. Here we are introduced to a new Character named Lisa, all the blame for this Wildfire goes on the head of her for the fund for her research. Now, Deen goes to LA and he sees Wildfire from the window and also that two birds are fighting for the snake.
Here comes the event of seminar in which Cinta is going to make her points, and there is also a speech which discusses a historical survey of the seventeenth century that so many calamities happened but we didn’t take notice of it. After this when Deen and Cinta are talking Deen tells her about the Manasa Devi and Cinta tries to connect it with history and real places.
Cinta invites Deen to come to Venice but Tipu hasn’t enough money for that but as if like some ‘Shakti’ with him he got an offer from Gisa that she wants a translator for Bengali and she will pay him money for it. Gisa wants to make a Documentary on the people who are migrating. Here we got the detailed story of Cinta and the death of her Daughter and her Husband.
PART 2 - VENICE:-
When Deen came to Venice he remembered Varanasi. Here comes the point that Manasa Devi and Medusa are mediators and without them there will not be any connection between Human and Animal. When he was going from here and there in Venice he heard the sound ‘Sabdhan’ in Bengali and he was shocked to know that he is Rafi. Deen got to know that if someone wants to work they have to contact Lubna Khala. Here comes the backstory of Lubna Khala and her husband. Now, when Deen goes to meet Rafi there is a sudden encounter with a spider, that very same spider appears in the room where Deen is staying later. Deen took photos of it and sent it to Piya and Piya sent it to Larry who in the USA and Deen and Piya talked about what happened. In the next Chapter Surroundings, he got a call from Piya that she got an Email from an unknown person and about the Beaching of Dolphins. Here we got the Idea of Beaching and Pollution from industry, etc.
In chapter Friends the story of Rafi continues that he was beaten by Bilal. When Deen and Bilal meet, another story of Bilal and Kabit opens up. And from their story we got to know about Human Trafficking and Organ Transplant. Now, Rafi tells him how he and Tipu got separated and he is going to do anything to bring him back. Now, when Deen goes to meet Lubna Khala she isn’t there but he meets another person named Palash and his story opens up. Then Palash tells that Khala goes to meet some activists because Blue Boat (Luciana) is coming and that there are people from poor countries. In the next chapter Warnings we got discussion about possession. Also there is talk between Cinta and Deen and she tries to give a mystical interpretation about the event of Spider. Later, when Cinta and Deen walk towards the church they recall that it was built around 1629 and it has references of Mythical character. They walk more and more and the scene where Cinta got injured is mentioned and a reference about Shipworm came.
Now, suddenly Bilal came from somewhere and helped injured Cinta to go to the hospital in the same one where Rafi is now. Here Rafi says that Tipu might be on a Blue Boat. Now, after all this, all the characters go to Blue Boat and while going there in between they encounter Tornado but somehow they reach the place where Blue Boat is coming. Here, another character came - The Admiral from Italy - he was from the right wing party but got the change of heart and helped the people who came here in Blue Boat. When the Blue Boat is coming the event of bioluminescence happens and the mystery of Manasa Devi and Pirates solved with the Ethiopian Dark Tall woman. The story ends with the returning of Deen to Brooklyn and he has now idea that this tale might be somewhere in reality. What Do You Think, Is it Reality or Myth?
These are some observations and information I find it from the text - Bonduki Sadagar - This is in Bengali which means The Gun Merchant Cyclone - Bhola Cyclone occurred in 1970 - named after years later it happened Chand - Chand Sadagar - Gun Merchant Manasa Devi - similar to Medusa (Mythological character who has snakes as hair) Nilima got story orally cause the Gun Merchant wants it passed down mouth to mouth - Story can be suspicious - Plato’s view of Speech over Writing Story of Gun Merchant - When he is traveling from here to there because of natural disasters he was captured by Pirates and there Manasa Devi appears and tells him if he built his shrines he will help him and Gun Merchant agrees with her. When he returns to Bengal he brings vast fortune and an amazing tale. - That’s how he got famous.
Here is a video available on YouTube titled 'Interview with Amitav Ghosh feat Sharin Bhatti & Sriti Jha'.
How does this novel develop your understanding of a rather new genre known as 'cli-fi'?
Cli-fi, short for "climate fiction," is a type of literature that focuses on stories about climate change and its effects on the world. Just like how science fiction explores future technology, cli-fi looks at what might happen if climate change continues unchecked. These stories can range from realistic depictions of how climate change affects people's lives to imaginative scenarios set in altered or devastated environments. Cli-fi helps raise awareness about environmental issues and encourages discussions about how to address them. (Open AI)
"Gun Island" is a novel famous for its climate fiction writing. Climate fiction is a point that we easily can't find in any novel, more like an unnoticed idea for a story. In this novel, with so many references to climate change, Ghosh gives us ideas for cli-fi.
In the novel, Ghosh talks about two big storms called 'Bhola' and 'Aila'. He also talks about dolphins beaching, floods, and wildfires (Wildfire Smoke in the Las Vegas Metro Area) in Las Vegas, which are all signs of climate change. When he mentions shipworms and spiders in Venice, it adds to the message about climate change in the novel.
BHOLA CYCLONE:-
Experts say it was one of the deadliest natural disasters on record, and "the 20th century's worst natural disaster". (Hindustan Time)
The Bhola Cyclone was one of the deadliest tropical cyclones ever recorded, striking East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the West Bengal area of India on November 12–13, 1970. It is estimated to have caused between 300,000 to 500,000 deaths, primarily in East Pakistan.
The cyclone formed over the Bay of Bengal and intensified rapidly before making landfall. It brought devastating storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall, causing widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The low-lying coastal regions of East Pakistan were particularly vulnerable to the storm surges, resulting in extensive flooding and loss of life. The aftermath of the Bhola Cyclone was characterized by widespread devastation and humanitarian crisis. The lack of early warning systems and inadequate infrastructure exacerbated the impact of the disaster. Relief efforts were hindered by the remote and inaccessible nature of many affected areas, as well as the political tensions within Pakistan at the time.
The Bhola Cyclone highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities to natural disasters and underscored the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. In the aftermath of the cyclone, significant efforts were made to strengthen cyclone forecasting and warning systems in the region, as well as to enhance disaster response and resilience-building initiatives. The memory of the Bhola Cyclone continues to inform disaster management strategies in Bangladesh and neighboring regions to this day.
AILA CYCLONE:-
Tropical Storm Aila hit Bangladesh and India in 2009, causing floods and mudslides that killed at least 191 people and left many homeless. Kolkata, India, also faced strong winds and heavy rain. Trees fell, roads were blocked, and transportation was disrupted. Despite warnings, many people were caught off guard by the storm's intensity. The city experienced power outages, and many were stranded in train stations and airports. While Kolkata wasn't directly hit by the worst of the storm, it still faced significant damage. The city's lack of preparedness highlighted the need for better disaster management. Despite the destruction, cleanup efforts began quickly, and life in Kolkata eventually returned to normal. (Deogawanka)
Here is an animated video track of Aila Cyclone.
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 novel "Gun Island," the myth of the Gun Merchant (Bonduki Sadagar) and Manasa Devi serves as a powerful metaphorical tool to initiate discussions on various contemporary issues, including climate change, migration, the refugee crisis, and human trafficking.
1. Climate Change: The mythological narrative surrounding the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi represents the ancient wisdom and folklore deeply intertwined with nature. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist comes to realize the relevance of these myths in the context of modern climate change. Ghosh uses this connection to highlight the profound impact of environmental degradation on human societies, drawing parallels between ancient myths and contemporary ecological crises. The idea of Climate Change can be seen through the story of Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi.
2. Migration and Refugee Crisis: Throughout the novel, characters are forced to migrate due to environmental changes, such as floods and droughts, exacerbated by climate change. The Gun Merchant myth symbolizes the plight of migrants and refugees, as individuals are compelled to leave their homes in search of safety and livelihood. Ghosh explores the complexities of displacement and the human consequences of environmental upheavals, shedding light on the interconnectedness between climate change and mass migration. The idea of Migration can be seen through the characters like Rafi, Tipu, Bilal, Kabir, Lubna Khala, Munir and others.
3. Human Trafficking: The narrative also delves into the darker aspects of human trafficking, as characters become ensnared in networks exploiting vulnerable migrants. Ghosh parallels the exploitation depicted in the myth of the Gun Merchant with contemporary issues of human trafficking, highlighting the commodification of human lives in the face of environmental crises. Through the intertwining of myth and reality, Ghosh underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of exploitation and injustice in a rapidly changing world.
Ghosh utilizes the myth of the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi as a narrative device to explore multifaceted themes of climate change, migration, the refugee crisis, and human trafficking. By weaving together ancient folklore and modern-day challenges, Ghosh prompts readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and space, and the urgent need for collective action in response to pressing global issues.
How does Amitav Ghosh make use of the 'etymology' of common words to sustain mystery and suspense in the narrative?
In Amitav Ghosh's novel "Gun Island," he skillfully uses the etymology, or the history and origins of words, to create depth and intrigue in the narrative. One example of this is the exploration of the word "bundook," which means gun in Hindi. The protagonist, Deen, a rare book dealer, encounters this word while researching the legend of the Gun Merchant. As he delves into the origins of the word, he uncovers connections to ancient myths and historical events, leading him on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Gun Merchant and truth behind it. The discovery of the intertwined histories of the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi serves as a catalyst for Deen's quest to understand the impact of climate change on human lives and ecosystems.
Moreover, Ghosh incorporates the etymology of other words throughout the narrative, such as "refugee" and "trafficking," to shed light on pressing global issues. For instance, as Deen encounters refugees fleeing environmental disasters and victims of human trafficking, he reflects on the origins and meanings of these words, prompting readers to contemplate the human stories behind these labels and the interconnectedness of their struggles.
The Etymology can be seen in the words which are used for Places where Gun Merchant might have gone. We can see play of the words in the title itself because it has nothing to do with Guns or its purchasing or selling. Moreover, apart from this Ghosh gave the words of Italian language to the character of Gisa and Ghosh also used other languages like Bangla.
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 Amitav Ghosh's book "Gun Island," he uses old stories and events from the past to talk about important problems we face today, like climate change and migration. By mixing these old stories with modern issues, Ghosh makes the book interesting and makes us think about the world we live in.
Ghosh talks about ancient myths like the Gun Merchant and Manasa Devi to show how nature and people are connected. He shows how things from the past can help us understand the problems we have now, especially with the environment getting worse. By using these old stories, Ghosh wants us to think about how our actions affect the planet.
He also talks about history to show how migration and people moving from one place to another have always been happening. Ghosh compares the past with what's happening today, like refugees running away from places affected by things like floods. He wants us to see that these issues are still around and need our attention.
Ghosh's use of myths and history in "Gun Island" helps us see how things from the past can teach us about the problems we face today. By mixing old stories with modern issues, Ghosh wants us to think about how we can make things better for the future.
Is there any connection between 'The Great Derangement' and 'Gun Island'?
Yes, there is a connection between "The Great Derangement" and "Gun Island," both written by Amitav Ghosh.
"The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable" is a non-fiction book by Ghosh in which he explores the lack of literature and cultural discourse around climate change. He argues that despite the urgency and scale of the climate crisis, it remains largely absent from contemporary literature and intellectual discourse.
In "Gun Island," Ghosh incorporates themes related to climate change, environmental degradation, and their impacts on human societies and ecosystems. Through the narrative, Ghosh addresses some of the issues raised in "The Great Derangement" by integrating discussions on climate change into his fictional storytelling.
While "The Great Derangement" serves as a critical examination of the cultural and literary responses to climate change, "Gun Island" represents Ghosh's creative response to these issues. By incorporating climate-related themes into his fiction, Ghosh bridges the gap between academic discourse and narrative storytelling, engaging readers in a discussion about the implications of climate change through the medium of fiction.
In this way, "Gun Island" can be seen as a continuation of Ghosh's exploration of climate change and its cultural implications, building upon the ideas presented in "The Great Derangement" while also offering a narrative framework for addressing these complex issues in a more accessible and immersive manner.
To know more about 'Gun Island' go through the group Presentation.
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