• Abhijeet Sharma
• Dr Jyoti Yadav

This paper examines the theme of existentialism in Arun Joshi's debut novel, The Foreigner (1968). Arun Joshi (1939-1993) was one of the most significant Indian literary voices in English. Throughout his literary oeuvre, Joshi has often explored existential problems. Instead of focusing on the social or political problems, he has focused on the complexities of a modern individual's existence. His protagonists are cynical, disillusioned and alienated beings struggling to make sense of their purpose in life. The novel depicts Surinder "Sindi" Oberoi's relentless quest for peace and self-realisation. He leads an alienated and rootless existence and tries his best to remain detached from the world around him. He is a quintessential "foreigner" who retains his foreignness wherever he goes. His constant drifting to find a purpose for his meaningless existence causes him despair and agony. Eventually, he comes to realise the fallacy of his warped worldview and learns the real meaning of detachment. The existential quest of his protagonist towards self-realisation is delineated with remarkable insight and maturity by Joshi. Joshi has also relied upon the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to conclude that the path to salvation lies in participation and selfless action.

Existentialism, alienation, detachment, ennui, frustration, rootlessness.

"Existential Quest in Arun Joshi`s The Foreigner", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 4, page no.236-239, April-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1904W31.pdf

"Existential Quest in Arun Joshi`s The Foreigner", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 4, page no. pp236-239, April-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1904W31.pdf