A Comparative Analysis of Myth and Folklores in The Man Eater of Malgudi of R. K. Nayaran and A Tiger at Twilight of Manoj Das

Abstract

Indian literature has been known for its distinguished feature of the mingling ancient narrative either of classical Hindu mythology or regional folklore with modern literature. Recently this trend was gaining more popularity as some famous writers taking pride and claiming back the rich cultural heritage of India in a new way. Indian literary genius always showed their inclination towards the use of myth and folklores. R.K. Narayan and Manoj Das two distinguished writers of Indian English fiction use this cultural reservoir for making balance between tradition and modernity. Both draw upon deep seated cultural beliefs yet their way of using these resources and their philosophical objectives stand them apart. Narayan in his Man Eater of Malgudi uses the myth of Bhasmasura of Hindu Puranic scripture and gives the message of the destruction of evil by itself and victory of good over evil. Das in his A Tiger at Twilight makes the use of tribal folklore as well as illusive historical myth of Vaneswari and Yaksha. Both Narayan and Das enrich Indian English Literature significantly, but their contributions are divergent in scope Narayan’s work reinforces the enduring power of the classical Puranic tradition and enforce stability, while Das’s fiction delves deep in folkloric reality to analyse the psychological cultural transformation. The contrast illuminates the diversity within South Asian fiction. Study shows that both offer the moral certitude of the mythic tradition and the profound psychological depth of the mythic tradition.