Reimagining Nature and Identity: A Postcolonial Ecocritical Exploration of Rice in Four Asian Poetry.

This article examines the representation of rice in Asian literature, focusing on its cultural and spiritual significance. It explores the historical context of rice cultivation in Asia, which was impacted by Western colonialism and exploitation. Despite this, rice remains an important part of Asian culture, as reflected in myths, folklore, and legends. The study analyzes four rice-themed poems from Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam, using postcolonial ecocriticism to understand the cultural and spiritual values of rice in the face of global challenges. The poems delve into themes of war, sacrifice, and ecological changes, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming indigenous knowledge and practices for ecological restoration. The exploration of nostalgia in these poems reveals the deep yearning and cultural memory associated with rice, showcasing its multifaceted meanings and significance in postcolonial ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]