From Petrofiction to Praxis: The Impact of Oil Exploitation on Mental and Physical Health in Ted Elemeforo's Fountain of Betrayal
Keywords:
Petrofiction, Societal Challenges, Mental Health, Physical Health, Environmental DegradationAbstract
The intersection of social challenges and their profound impact on the mental and physical health of individuals within the context of some Niger Delta literary writers, with emphasis on Ted Elemeforo's novel, Fountain of Betrayal, is the preoccupation of this paper. Embracing Petrofiction as a theoretical framework, the analysis ventures into the intricate narrative that intertwines the environmental, economic, and sociopolitical challenges posed by the oil industry in the Niger Delta and its effect on the mental and physical health of characters like Papawey, whose trauma from displacement reflects community-wide psychological strain, Bodiere and Amatu, whose health issues symbolize the physical toll of pollution and its effect; not forgetting some of the lives lost as a result of the menace that comes with unguarded oil exploration. Petrofiction as a theory facilitates an understanding of how the narrative mirrors real-life struggles caused by the injurious activities of petroleum production, shedding light on the interconnectedness of societal challenges and the intricate web of impacts on the mental and physical well-being of individuals and the communities of operation. Through this exploration, the study emphasizes the urgent need to address the complex interplay between societal challenges and health outcomes in Niger Delta literature, offering insights into the broader implications of oil-driven narratives for contemporary literary studies.
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