FOLK ELEMENTS in THE FICTION OF MANOJ DAS

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineThe dissertation titled Folk Elements in the Fiction of Manoj Das newlineanalyzes the ways in which he has used the elements of folk culture in his newlinefictions to represent the contemporary reality. Though he writes parables, newlinefables and tales in the manner of folk tales he artistically combines human newlinebeings, animals and birds in his fictions to reflect on the modern situations. newlineThe fictions of Das are unique combination of folk tradition and modern newlineculture to artistically portray the contemporary society. Through folk tale mode newlineDas shows how moral values have considerably declined in the present time. newlineDas has proved this in his fictions and suggests ways to confront the newlineproblems. Manoj Das s fiction is derived from folk tales as Shakespeare newlinederives themes for his plays from Holinshed s Chronicles . Both newlineShakespeare and Manoj Das show their originality and intuitions newlineunderstanding the socio-cultural problems that man face in all ages. Folk newlineelement is the base on which the fiction of Manoj Das stands. Das does not newlinedeal with folk elements directly like Gopal Praharaj, an Odia folklorist and newlinecomplier of Odia folk tales , he follows only the model of folk tale and presents newlineit by remodelling, extending and twisting its themes and structure and newlinecombining them with realism in his own way which seems original and unique. newlineThrough folk elements Das bridges the gap between the ancient and the newlinemodern. Both his short stories and novels focuses on folk tales that are on the newlineverge of extinction. Das does a yeoman s service for the society by newlineforegrounding folk tales in his writings. Das conveys messages through his newlinestories for the correction of society and that is why he has to resort to satire. newlineHe criticises sins not the sinners. newlineHis writings --- Mystery of the Missing Cap and Other Stories, A Bride newlineinside a Casket and Other Stories, Cyclone, The Lady Who Died One and a newlineHalf Times and Other Fantasies, Selected Fiction,The Gift of Patience and newlineOther Stories,One Friend and a Half Amrut Phal, My Little India Fables and newlineFantasies e