MAJOR THEMES AND TECHNIQUES IN THE NOVELS OF ANITA DESAI

Abstract

Anita Desai is a very popular Indian novelist. She is known as the mother of the Indian psychological novel genre. Her meticulous depictions of modern Indian life have secured her a place of honor in the pantheon of Indian authors. Winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award, Desai has authored as many as sixteen works of fiction. She began her writing at the age of seven it was in English. She has written novels, stories, children’s books and articles. She is often considered as psychological novelist a feminist who deals with major themes of isolation, lack of communication, inner struggle, man woman relationship and marital discords. Her protagonists are female. Language and technique used by Anita Desai is as per theme and situation. She uses memories of past that is Nostalgia as a narrative technique. Her distinct style of writing, original characters, use of language, realistic theme, and narrative technique has made her writing so endearing which earned many words, recognitions and awards for her work. Her contribution to the literary world is without any doubt is great. All aspects of her writing are discussed in the paper.