Search for Meaning: An Existential Approach of Rohinton Mistry’s Such a Long Journey

Abstract

The present paper tries to deal with the novel of Such a Long Journey from the perspective of existentialism. As the existentialism focus on the individual, the aim of this paper to approach the protagonist of the novel from existentialist point of view and analyze what has made the character to behave in a existential way. The search of meaning is the focus of Misty’s novel and it is the primary focus of the existential thinkers, especially Sartre. In the novel, Such a Long Journey, focusing on Gustad’s untiring journey towards finding the real purpose of his life, reveals his inner journey. His unassailable quest for finding a meaning in his life leads him to inexplicable experiences. As a family man and works for the welfare of his family, he never questions the mystery of his existence until he reaches a point where most of his beliefs and values of humanity comes under close scrutiny. Mistry skillfully portrays the life of innocent soul who searches for meaning in a politically turbulent situation. Existential thinkers believe in the idea that the meaning of life is not determined ever before his birth. Instead, it is decided by the choice of human beings and their responsibility to accept the pros and cons of their choices. The paper is also try to fill the research gap of this area of study where the study of Rohinton Mistry’s works from the existential view point has not been seriously considered before.