Eco-Criticism: How It Appears in NET English

In recent years, Eco-Criticism has emerged as a crucial area of study for UGC NET English aspirants. With the growing global awareness around environmental concerns, the National Testing Agency has aligned the UGC NET syllabus to reflect pressing intellectual trends — and Eco-Criticism is one of them.

As a Professor of English and UGC NET English Literature Coach for over a decade, I’ve observed that questions on Eco-Criticism are no longer rare or experimental—they are now a regular feature in the exam. If you aim to crack Paper II with confidence, you must grasp the basics and applications of Eco-Criticism thoroughly.

What is Eco-Criticism?

Eco-Criticism (also spelled Ecocriticism) is a literary theory that studies the relationship between literature and the natural environment. It analyses how texts represent nature, environmental issues, ecological catastrophes, and human-nature interaction.

The term was first popularised in the 1990s, although its roots go back to nature writers like Henry David Thoreau and John Muir. It is part of a broader academic field known as Environmental Humanities.

Key Definition:

“Eco-criticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment.” — Cheryll Glotfelty

Eco-Criticism in UGC NET Syllabus

Eco-Criticism typically features under the following units:

• Unit VIII: Literary Criticism
• Unit IX: Literary Theory Post World War II
• Unit X: Research Methods (in the context of environmental topics)

UGC NET often includes:

• MCQs on the founders of Eco-Criticism
• Match-the-following questions with key texts and theorists
• Comprehension passages based on ecocritical texts
• Questions on specific environmental movements in literature

‍ Key Eco-Critics to Know

• Cheryll Glotfelty: Editor of The Ecocriticism Reader (1996), one of the foundational texts in the field.
• Lawrence Buell: Known for The Environmental Imagination; explores American literature through an ecological lens.
• Greg Garrard: His book Ecocriticism (part of Routledge’s New Critical Idiom series) is a go-to text for NET aspirants.
• Jonathan Bate: Applies ecocriticism to Romantic poets, especially Wordsworth.
• Arne Naess: Norwegian philosopher who introduced the term “Deep Ecology.”

Important Texts You Should Read

• The Ecocriticism Reader – Ed. Cheryll Glotfelty & Harold Fromm
• Ecocriticism – Greg Garrard
• The Environmental Imagination – Lawrence Buell
• The Future of Environmental Criticism – Lawrence Buell
• Silent Spring – Rachel Carson (though not a literary text, this influenced ecocritical thinking)

You can consider adding an affiliate link here to eco-critical books recommended for UGC NET preparation.

Sample UGC NET Questions on Eco-Criticism

Q1. Who defined Eco-Criticism as “the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment”?

• A) Lawrence Buell
• B) Cheryll Glotfelty
• C) Greg Garrard
• D) Harold Fromm

Q2. The term “Deep Ecology” is associated with:

• A) Peter Barry
• B) Rachel Carson
• C) Arne Naess
• D) Aldo Leopold

Indian Literature & Eco-Criticism

Eco-Criticism is not limited to Western texts. Several Indian English texts also explore nature, environment, and sustainability. These often appear in NET questions, especially in comprehension passages.

• Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide & Jungle Nama
• Ruskin Bond’s short stories
• Arundhati Roy’s environmental activism in nonfiction
• Gieve Patel’s poetry on ecology and urbanisation

How to Study Eco-Criticism for NET

• Start with Greg Garrard’s Ecocriticism—it breaks down key concepts like anthropocentrism, deep ecology, pollution, and apocalypse.
• Watch Literary Rides YouTube videos for chapter-wise summaries.
• Prepare short notes on each critic, theory, and terminology.
• Practice past 5-year NET questions on literary theory.
• Don’t forget to read comprehension-based passages with ecocritical themes.

Bonus Tips for NET Success

• When in doubt between two critics in a question, go with the one most strongly associated with “literature and nature.”
• Watch for terms like anthropocentrism, eco-consciousness, deep ecology, and sustainability.
• Be aware of how literary texts reflect real-world environmental issues.

Final Thought

Eco-Criticism is not just another literary theory—it’s a call for ethical engagement with our environment through literature. As you prepare for UGC NET, approach it with sensitivity, clarity, and an interdisciplinary mindset. This is one of those areas where real-world awareness can directly boost your academic success.

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