Eco-Criticism and the Anthropocene in Literature: A Review of Key Debates

Abstract

This review examines the intersections of eco-criticism and the Anthropocene in contemporary literature, highlighting key debates that shape scholarly discourse. Drawing on a wide range of literary texts and critical studies, the review investigates how writers and theorists conceptualize human-environment relationships, ecological crisis, and planetary temporality within the framework of the Anthropocene. Central debates include the tension between anthropocentric and ecocentric perspectives, the role of literature in fostering environmental consciousness, and the ethical implications of representing environmental degradation. The review also explores methodological approaches, from close textual analysis to interdisciplinary engagement with environmental science, demonstrating how literary studies contribute to understanding the cultural dimensions of ecological change. By synthesizing these discussions, the study identifies emerging questions concerning narrative strategies, genre innovation, and the socio-political responsibilities of literature in an age of global ecological transformation, offering a comprehensive overview for scholars, students, and practitioners of eco-criticism.