The recent relentless strides of globalization have made the discourse on the binary opposition between the center and the periphery, the colonized and the colonizer somewhat anachronistic. The rise of transnationalism has in some cases obliterated the national identity and ironically some nations welcome their ‘elevation’ to mainstream culture. But the scars inflicted on colonies like Burma have agonized sensitive writers like Orwell.

In her paper, “Negotiating Feminine Autonomy and Identity: Diasporic Anxieties in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Mistress of Spices”, the author, Swathi Krishna S deals with the attempt of Tilo (Tilottama), in The Mistress of Spices, to escape the traditional restrictions and reconstitute her persona by seeking sensual gratification with a lonely Mexican American, Raven. The paper brings out the emotional trauma experienced by the diasporic persons.

In the paper, “Interstices Outgrowing the Narrative in the Select Fiction of Jhumpa Lahiri”, the author, K Narasimha Rao, examines the cultural ambiguity experienced by Indians in America as portrayed in Lahiri’s novel, Namesake, a short story “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dinner” and another story “Unaccustomed Earth”.

Madhumita Roy, in her paper, “Transnationalism and the Survival of Postcolonialism: A Critique”, looks at the sway of transnationalism in the former colonies as a result of increasing consumer culture. The superimposition of western culture has both beneficial and deleterious effects on the indigenous civilizations.

Vairavan C and S P Dhanavel, in their paper, “Power, Position and Agony in Harold Pinter’s One for the Road”, study the hold of power and position by the oppressor and the agony of the oppressed as presented by Harold Pinter in his absurdist play, One for the Road. A political playwright, he uses the concept of purposelessness of life as suggestive of the agony of people who become victims of their own feelings, desires and guilt.

N Pratheeba and G Baskaran, in the paper, “Elements of Syncretism in Nayantara Sahgal’s Mistaken Identity”, examine the emphasis on cultural integration laid by Nayanatara Sahgal in her novel, Mistaken Identity. In India, with different cultures, linguistic and religious groups, there is paramount need for syncretism. The novel presents the love of a Hindu, Bhushan, for a Muslim girl.

The engagement of Indian poets with rain provides an insightful perception to the Indian imagination. GRK Murty, in his paper, “India’s Romance with Monsoon Rains: A Peep into Poetic Expressions and Personal Experiences”, through a wide range of reference, brings out the romance with rain in the works of Kalidasa, Valmiki and modern Telugu poets like Devulapalli Krishna Sastry and even the progressive Nagnamuni.

S Rukmini, in her paper, “An Analysis of Indian Poetic Tradition: Sri Aurobindonian Perspective”, recounts the major concepts in Indian Critical tradition, particularly the concept that considers poet as a rishi, seer. She states that, according to Aurobindo, the chief aim of poetry is to elevate the soul and ensure spiritual experience.

Isam M Shihada, in her paper, “Racism in George Orwell’s Burmese Days”, brings out the irrational discrimination based on color by the Burrasahebs in Burma, as presented by George Orwell in his novel, Burmese Days. The European Club is symbolic of the policy of segregation of the black natives. Orwell, says the author, exposes the myth of whiteman’s burden claimed by the British as justification for colonization.

Sanjay Shrivastava, in his paper, “Integrated Elements of Sex and Sensuality in the Poetry of Robert Browning: A Critical Approach”, brings out the open presentation of sex and sensualism in the poetry of Robert Browning, unthinkable during the Victorian period. Browning rejected the plea of the moral keepers to forsake love for morality, considering any relationship between sexes as a hindrance to spiritual progress.

In the paper, “Masculinity Subverted and Redefined in the Works of Mahesh Dattani”, the author, Rajorshi Das, focuses on certain topics, usually considered a taboo in the Indian scene, presented by Mahesh Dattani in three of his plays: Dance like a Man, Seven Steps Round the Fire and On a Muggy Night in Mumbai.
The issue carries a brief tribute to Nadine Gordimer, the indefatigable fighter against racial discrimiation, who passed away in July. We also offer a review by S S Prabhakar Rao of the passionate offering of translation of all the poems contained in Amritam Kurisina Raatri, the magnum opus of Balagangadhara Tilak, a distinguished Telugu poet, by C Subba Rao, a self-declared admirer of Tilak’s poetry.

-- S S Prabhakar Rao
Consulting Editor