Economic Inequality and Environmental Degradation in 'The White Tiger'and 'The Glass Palace'.

Abstract: This paper explores the connection between economic inequality and environmental degradation as depicted in The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga and The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. Both novels illustrate how unequal distribution of wealth and power leads to environmental destruction and social injustice. Literature serves as a powerful medium to critique these issues, offering insight into how economic disparity fuels ecological harm. In The White Tiger, Adiga portrays the protagonist Balram Halwai’s journey from poverty to wealth within a corrupt system. His rise reflects the consequences of rapid urbanization and industrialization, which prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability. The novel highlights the severe pollution, overcrowding, and waste management crises that disproportionately affect the poor, showing how economic inequality exacerbates environmental degradation. Similarly, The Glass Palace by Ghosh situates environmental exploitation within a historical context, revealing the colonial extraction of natural resources, particularly in Burma’s timber industry. The British imperialists’ relentless pursuit of profit resulted in large-scale deforestation, disrupting local ecosystems and displacing indigenous communities. Through the experiences of various characters, Ghosh critiques the long-term socio-environmental damage caused by imperial greed. By analyzing these two novels, this paper demonstrates how literature critiques the environmental consequences of economic disparities. Both works emphasize that economic inequality is not just a social issue but a catalyst for environmental destruction. The study argues that The White Tiger and The Glass Palace advocate for a more sustainable and equitable world by exposing the interconnectedness of wealth disparity, environmental exploitation, and social injustice. Through their narratives, Adiga and Ghosh call for a re-evaluation of progress, urging readers to consider the broader implications of economic policies on both human and ecological well-being.