Duality of Human Soul in The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee “That Evil Ended. So also may this!” (Deor’s Lament, 06)

Abstract

The article depicts India’s development, liberty and equality is stymied by socio-economic realities which keep most of the people living in poverty. In The Lives of Others, Neel Mukherjee challenges Indian culture and governance to create an egalitarian society in which individuals are truly equal and independent. The protagonist of the novel, Supratik leaves his happy life in the novel to eradicate duality and to enlighten the society. The novel is the microcosm of West Bengal in which Neel highlights the terrified life of poor peasants and their devious landlords. The paper also aims to highlight Neel’s portrayal of oppressive socio-political and economic behavior of village heads, officials, political parties, jotedaars and plightful, miserable condition of the poor peasants and tenants, their struggle throughout their lives and finally their indulgence into criminal activities like naxalites. Neel earnestly pleads for the protection and rehabilitation of the people who have been displaced, authorities should ensure peace, prosperity and social justice to prevent people from sufferings and elimination of duality from the society especially for the benefit of these marginalized sections of the society.