Alienation and Survival Strategies in the Novels of Arun Joshi

Abstract

An important Indian English author, Arun Joshi's works address existential angst, cultural alienation, psychological struggle, and the pursuit of meaning in life. Alienation from society, family, culture, and their own sense of self is a common experience for his heroes. This study looks at survival tactics and alienation in Arun Joshi's books, namely The Apprentice, The Foreigner, and The Strange Case of Billy Biswas. Sindi Oberoi, Billy Biswas, and Ratan Rathor's experiences are examined in the research, with an emphasis on how they deal with moral conflict, societal expectations, and existential ambiguity. The article contends that Joshi depicts survival as a complicated process including emotional detachment, retreat, introspection, and moral self-examination, drawing on existentialist and psychological viewpoints. His characters make an effort to balance societal obligation and personal freedom, but their tactics frequently highlight the drawbacks of conformity and escape. According to the study's findings, Joshi's fiction highlights the significance of moral responsibility, genuine connections, and self-awareness in the pursuit of a meaningful life.