Conflict in the Novels of R.K. Narayan: A Critical Study

R. K. Narayan is known mostly for his ironic and comic vision by critics and scholars. Herein the book reveals serious and moral view of R. K. Narayan exploring the theme of conflict in his novels. The emphasis is on Narayan's reconciling approach for resolution of the conflict with spiritual consciousness based on Indian philosophy. The book consists of seven parts but the second part 'The Concept and Expression' explaining the meaning and types of conflict is the crowning one that relates consistently to the analytical discussion of the novels and the conclusion in the end. The vision of R.K. Narayan is understood here in the context of Indian Vedanta philosophy. The book helps to enlighten the readers and critics to contemplate over and view R.K.Narayan not only as comic but a serious moralist. The book, with this new insight, is certainly valuable and useful for the students, teachers and scholars.

About the Author

Prof. Dr. Smita Mujumdar is an Associate Professor in the Department of English, Shivraj College, Gadhinglaj, Dist. Kolhapur (MH). She has completed her PhD in Indian English literature from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, also completed PGDTE from CIEFL, Hyderabad. She has presented and published several papers in national and international journals and conferences, also has presented a research project on Shakespeare's plays. She has been awarded with Dr. P. G. Patil Award twice for 'Best Research Paper' in the conference arranged by Shivaji University, Kolhapur.

This book is based on her thesis, 'Conflict in the Novels of R. K. Narayan: A Critical Study'.