The Representation of the Hydrocene:

Abstract

This dissertation examines the representation of the concept of the Hydrocene in Stephen Baxter’s novel Flood. It investigates the watery element’s influence on human-nature relationships in the futuristic imaginary world of the novel. This study will first discuss the issue of climate change during the new epoch: the Hydrocene, which envisions the Earth’s surface as a vast ocean. In addition, it will address Anthropogenic global warming in order to establish the links between humanity, nature, and the planet; emphasizing the way these elements could alter one another. Secondly, it will investigate the changes in human and planetary structures under global environmental deterioration. The ecocritical theory will be used to interpret and analyze the enlisted changes on the terrestrial and hydrological levels in Flood. The research highlights Stephen Baxter’s call for the reconsideration of potential future destruction.