Representation of queer adolescents in select Indian literary narratives

Abstract

As India traverses the complex and delicate pathways of modernity, further leading to post- modern experiences in the 21st century, its literary endeavours and output seem to provide a profound reflective surface on the evolving and frequently debatable discourse surrounding queer identities. This present study initiates a critical examination of the manner in which newlineIndian English authors portray queer adolescents, investigating the labyrinthine manners in which their identities, experiences, and tribulations are depicted in the context of a society newlinethat is characterised by deep-seated traditions as well as contemporary transformations taking place. The objective of this study is to unearth the multifarious representations of queerness and adolescence by examining a selection of four literary works titled Selection Day, Babyji, Miss Timmins School for Girls, and Cobalt Blue. It provides an insight into the construction of literary narratives and the implications they have for the broader societal comprehension of queer identities. Besides, the analysis concentrates on the intersectionality that is inherent in newlinethese portrayals, specifically the impact of factors such as caste, class, religion, and regional diversity on the representation of queer youth. Furthermore, this thesis probes into the newlinemanner in which literary narratives interact with the lived experiences of queer adolescents, emphasising the conflicts between personal identity and societal ethos. Additionally, the study demonstrates how literature not only reflects societal attitudes but also contends and newlineredefines them. The study analyses these issues through a meticulous examination of newlinecharacter development, narrative structure, and thematic elements. The narratives chosen for the purpose function as a lens through which the broader cultural, social, and political currents that influence the perception and treatment of queer in India is comprehended. newline