Nature as Witness: Symbolism and Displacement in Manjushree Thapa’s Seasons of Flight

Abstract

Manjushree Thapa's *Seasons of Flight* (2010) intricately weaves the natural world into its narrative to explore themes of displacement, identity, and resilience through the journey of Prema, a Nepali woman navigating migration to the United States. This study examines the symbolic use of nature in the novel, addressing a critical gap in existing scholarship, which has focused predominantly on sociopolitical and cultural dimensions while overlooking ecological and symbolic nuances. Employing qualitative literary analysis through ecocritical and postcolonial theoretical frameworks, the research reveals how Thapa's vivid natural imagery, contrasting the lush landscapes of Nepal with the aridity of California, reflects Prema's emotional states, serving as a dynamic metaphor for her psychological transformation.