• Dr. K. MARUTHAMUTHU

This paper examines how Arun Joshi, a prominent Indian author, navigates the philosophical landscapes of existentialism and materialism in his novels. Joshi’s narratives often delve into the existential crises faced by his protagonists, who grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and authenticity in the face of societal pressures and materialistic desires. His exploration of existentialist themes mirrors the works of European existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, yet Joshi adapts these themes to the socio-cultural context of postcolonial India. Novels like “The Foreigner”, “The Strange Case of Billy Biswas”, “The Apprentice”, “The City and the River”, and “The Last Labyrinth” is a critique of existentialism and materialism and its impact on individual consciousness. Moreover, Joshi’s depiction of materialism extends beyond mere consumerism to encompass broader socio-economic inequalities and the alienating effects of modern urban life. His critique resonates with postcolonial discourses on cultural identity and the legacy of colonial exploitation, highlighting how materialist values perpetuate disparities and disconnections within Indian society.

Existentialism, Materialism, Inequalities, cultural identity, and Indian society.

"THEMES OF EXISTENTIALISM AND MATERIALISM IN ARUN JOSHI’S NOVELS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 9, page no.e718-e723, September-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2409491.pdf

"THEMES OF EXISTENTIALISM AND MATERIALISM IN ARUN JOSHI’S NOVELS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 9, page no. ppe718-e723, September-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2409491.pdf