Identity Crisis and Human Predicament in Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy and Chitra Banerjee’s Queen of Dreams

Abstract

Several factors contribute significantly to shaping an individual’s identity and distinguishing the cultural ethos of a particular group or community from others. These factors intricately interconnect with the evolution of diverse cultural practices and beliefs within a given community or geographical area. This complex interplay includes elements such as the ecological context of a region, the foundational functioning of economic institutions, the structure of family units, upbringing practices for children, as well as the narratives woven through tales, myths, legends, and historical events. This research paper delves into the exploration of identity crisis and human predicament as depicted in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Queen of Dreams (2004) and Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy (1993). Vikram Seth aims to explore his profound and committed humanistic concerns evident in his novel, A Suitable Boy (1993). Seth’s works delve into the human condition within a chaotic society. He dedicates his art and craft to the study and observation of characters, attitudes, and behaviours of individuals he encounters in contemporary life. Seth’s primary focus revolves around universal human elements like loneliness, alienation, love, passion, marriage, family, music, changing times, corruption, realism, nuclear madness, and disarmament. Seth’s literary world often portrays frustration, destruction, and disappointment. He emphasizes fulfilled love that leads to marriage and family, prioritizing rational love over superficial or romantic notions. Each of his novels concludes with a sense of disappointment and withdrawal from happiness. His vision of love and relationships centres on social stability, security, togetherness, and social order. Seth distinctly favours the institution of marriage and family, forming a thematic cluster that characterizes his works. Divakaruni’s novels stand as a testament to the preservation of her homeland’s cultural heritage. Her literary works vividly depict characters embracing a bicultural identity. Divakaruni skilfully interweaves Indian heritage with the American experience, offering a unique perspective on the South Asian Diaspora. These diasporic cultures arise from the dispersion of diverse communities across the globe, driven by various historical and obligatory factors. Throughout her body of work, Divakaruni delves into the profound identity crisis experienced by women, as they embark on a quest to discover their genuine selves. In her capacity as an immigrant writer, she stands out from her contemporaries, as she skilfully brings together women from diverse backgrounds, communities, ages, and nationalities. These women find a common bond in their shared experiences and relationships while residing in foreign lands.