In Ghosh’s novel The Hungry Tide, he unapologetically uses the theme of Man vs. Nature. The story occurs in Lusibari which is covered in islands, rivers, forests, and man-eating animals such as crocodiles, snakes, and Bengal tigers. This novel suggests that the struggle to survive in the natural world seems entirely unhospitable to humans. The residents of Sundarbans constantly live through this every day. The book follows Piya, a cetologist from Seattle on a trip researching river dolphins in the Sundarbans when she meets a local fisherman, Fokir who is the only person able to help her complete her research. Piya and Fokir’s connection to nature is very evident within the story but also symbolic of their relationship. while both of them come from different worlds, they both share experiences in the natural environment that later create a deeper bond between them rather than Khani and Piya. Their connection to nature is further emphasized during the storm when Fokir ties them to a tree, trusting nature to protect them. Fokir’s actions symbolize his respect for nature and his willingness to share his knowledge with Piya, which helps her develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

In The Hungry Tide, a mob of villagers attacks and kills a tiger that killed two people previously. Piya’s relationship with the natural world is tested here. Piya prioritizes animals over people who may be harmed by those animals on a regular basis.”Because it was people like you,” said Kanai, “who made a push to protect the wildlife here, without regard for the human costs. And I’m complicit because people like me … have chosen to hide these costs, basically in order to curry favor with their Western patrons. It’s not hard to ignore the people who’re dying—after all, they are the poorest of the poor.”(Ghosh 248-49) Piya and Kanai’s conversation about the tiger killing highlights the complex theme of man vs. nature in the novel.  Piya is horrified by the villagers’ actions, but Kanai challenges her perspective by pointing out the harsh realities faced by the local people. He argues that conservation efforts, often led by outsiders like Piya, prioritize wildlife over the human lives that are directly impacted by these animals. This conversation emphasizes the tension between preserving nature and protecting human communities. The theme of man vs. nature is further illustrated by the villagers’ response to the tiger. Despite conservation laws, the villagers feel compelled to protect themselves from the immediate threat posed by the tiger. This reflects the broader struggle of the Sundarbans’ residents, who live at the mercy of a natural world that is both beautiful and deadly. The novel suggests that while humans may attempt to control or coexist with nature, they remain vulnerable to its indifference and power.