Unraveling Myths Identity Crisis and Subalternity in the Selected Works of Eugene O Neill and Girish Karnad

Abstract

Literature gives vent to an individual s feelings, ideas, and emotion as it is mimetic in newlinenature. Drama is a manifestation of anticipation, aspirations, inside yearnings, newlineachievements and dilemma of people which is highly absorbing and entertaining as it newlinerepresents action on stage. Thus, drama irrespective of time, place or milieu acts as a newlinelooking glass for the society. For its themes it is inspired immensely by ancient myths to newlinedefine and find human beings bearings and also brings to forefront the plight of the newlinesubalterns. This research work proposes pertinent questions related to myths, man s newlineeternal quest to belong and the subaltern concerns by taking plays from the dramatic newlineoeuvre of American playwright Eugene O Neill and India s contemporary voice Girish newlineKarnad. newlineThese themes prepared a common ground for researching the two great dramatists as they newlinehave used similar themes in their work of art since both were pioneers in representing newlinehuman predicament. The works by both writers look beyond the aesthetic parameters and newlineaddress issues of social and cultural relevance. Their works critique culture and thereby newlinemake cultural criticism an inevitable part of literary creation in the present times. This newlinemakes both the writers, although separated by a long time frame but known for their path newlinebreaking plays, as great subjects under the light of myths, quest for identity and newlineSubalternity. newlineThe current global pandemic reflects civilization in a harsh light, prompting one to newlinerecollect great romantic poet Wordsworth s rhetorical question, and#8213;What man has made of newlineman?and#8214;. In these challenging and trying times, the works of both playwright s peer down newlineon us, opening our eyes to decades of a human being s loneliness, quest for self, mythic newlineinterconnections, and enslavement and subjugation of the underprivileged. newline