Lexical Choices and Environmental Despair: Analyzing Water Scarcity in Paolo Bacigalupi's The Tamarisk Hunter

Abstract

The Tamarisk Hunter, a recent short story by Paolo Bacigalupi, has garnered widespread praise for its realistic portrayal of the current ecological discourse. The narrator articulates a fictional world that accurately portrays the genuine issue of water scarcity. The narrative centers on a central character who has been tasked with the task of removing the tamarisk trees, as they are consuming an excessive quantity of water, resulting in a water shortage. Bacigalupi employs a variety of lexical items, including "bone-dry," "parched," and "dust-choked," to depict a desolate land in the narrative. In the same vein, the terms "water warlord" and "water credits" delve into the future of this universe. The primary focus of this paper is on these lexical choices. In this regard, the analytical section will utilize eco-linguistic theory, which integrates a critical perspective on environmental issues and linguistic manifestation. Additionally, this study endeavors to isolate the author's lexical choices within the broader context of Eco-linguistics in order to illustrate the severe issue of water scarcity. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that Bacigalupi's narrative not only emphasizes the issue of water scarcity but also instructs its readers on the importance of water conservation and responsible usage. The narrative is also more versatile and explores additional aspects of environmental devastation by also addressing other critical issues related to the ecosystem, such as climate change and global warming.