Angst and Resilience in Ian McEwan’s Solar: An Ecocritical Analysis

Abstract

Ian McEwan’s novel Solar presents a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of environmental degradation, personal struggles, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of the urgent global issue of climate change, the novel follows the tumultuous life of its protagonist, Michael Beard, a physicist whose personal and professional life is rife with moral dilemmas and ethical shortcomings. Through Beard’s journey, McEwan skilfully explores the complex interplay between humanity’s impact on the environment and the internal struggles faced by individuals grappling with their own flaws and vulnerabilities.