Ecological Decay And Feminist Resistance In Drylands

Abstract

This article examines Thea Astley’s novel Drylands through an ecofeminist lens, highlighting the intersection of environmental degradation and patriarchal oppression. The narrative portrays a drought-stricken rural town in Queensland where the scarcity of water mirrors the emotional and social deprivation experienced by its female inhabitants. Astley’s fragmented storytelling emphasizes the struggles, resilience, and subtle acts of defiance of women who challenge societal and domestic constraints. Through textual analysis and critical commentary, this study argues that Drylands not only critiques the moral and ecological decay of the town but also celebrates women’s resistance and agency, revealing the inseparable link between ecological health and gender justice.