THE CHARACTER’S RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL COLLAPSE IN JAMES GRAHAM BALLARD’S THE DROWNED WORLD

Muannas, Ivan (2026) THE CHARACTER’S RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL COLLAPSE IN JAMES GRAHAM BALLARD’S THE DROWNED WORLD. Other thesis, Universitas Nurul Jadid.

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Abstract

This study explores environmental collapse and the characters’ responses in James
Graham. Ballard’s novel The Drowned World, which is known for its distinctive
depictions of ecological disaster and psychological transformation. This study aims
to analyze the representation of environmental collapse and the characters’
responses by applying the concept of An Inconvenient Apocalypse proposed by
Jackson and Jensen. Using a qualitative approach, this study employs literary
criticism to examine narrative descriptions, character dialogues, settings,
characterization, and key events presented in The Drowned World. The analysis
focuses on how environmental collapse and the characters’ responses are
represented through the novel’s literary elements, including setting,
characterization, dialogue, narrative description, and characters’ actions. The
findings are then interpreted using Jackson and Jensen’s concept of An
Inconvenient Apocalypse. The analysis reveals that environmental collapse in the
novel is represented as a gradual process that reshapes the characters’ behavior,
identity, and perception of nature. The findings indicate that Kerans responds to the
ecological disaster through withdrawal from civilization, psychological regression,and a growing fascination with the transformed natural environment. Meanwhile,
other characters demonstrate different responses, including resistance, adaptation,
acceptance, and attempts to dominate nature. This study also highlights how Ballard
challenges anthropocentric perspectives by presenting nature not as an enemy to be
controlled, but as a dominant force that redefines human existence. The study
concludes that The Drowned World reflects contemporary ecological anxieties and
encourages readers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature amid environmental collapse.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Environmental Collapse, Characters' Responses, Literary Criticism
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Divisions:	Fakultas Sosial dan Humaniora > S1 Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email [email protected]
Date Deposited:	27 Oct 2026 03:24
Last Modified:	27 Oct 2026 03:24
URI:	https://repository.unuja.ac.id/id/eprint/5368

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