CAPITALIST EXPLOITATION OF THE DOWNTRODDEN AND NATURE: AN ECO-MARXIST ANALYSIS OF GHOSE’S THE MURDER OF AZIZ KHAN

Abstract

“Eco-Marxism is a political belief system that combines the Marxist belief of anti-capitalism with ecology and pro-environment policies” (Kamel, 2020, p. 6). It maintains that capitalism exploits both marginalized communities and the natural environment, driven by materialistic pursuits. This research undertakes an Eco-Marxist analysis of capitalist exploitation in Zulfiqar Ghose’s The Murder of Aziz Khan, focusing on the intertwined devaluation of the downtrodden and nature. The novel critiques the relentless drive of capitalist forces that commodify human labor and natural resources, reducing both to mere instruments for profit maximization. By examining the dispossession of Aziz Khan’s land and livelihood, the research highlights the dual oppression endured by marginalized communities and the environment, as illustrated by the plight of Kalapur’s farmers under capitalist hegemony. The research findings highlight Ghose’s portrayal of capitalism as a driver of inequality, alienation, and environmental degradation, advocating for just and sustainable alternatives. This research aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between social and environmental justice within the context of capitalist exploitation.