A critique of O.V. Vijayan’s select works and underlying power equations: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: This study focuses on the critiquing O.V. Vijayan’s translated novels, The Legends of Khasak, The Saga of Dharmapuri and The Infinity of Grace in the purview of the power equations within them. Being at a point convergence between the Bhasha writers and Indian Writers in English (IWE), O.V. Vijayan has been less studied as an IWE. This study probes into Vijayan’s novels as an embodiment of power struggles between nation/nation-state, marginalized and the oppressed.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study has included varied sources of literature including books, research articles, newspaper articles, and research theses. The research has extensively reviewed past research in this domain to understand the scope of the study, identify the research gaps and frame relevant questions. Accordingly, this study will include a qualitative research of the primary and secondary texts. It would employ textual and thematic analysis approach.
Findings/Result: A thorough reading and review of relevant research works have inferred that the themes of power have been a recurrent theme in the select novels of O.V. Vijayan combined with the underpinnings of nation/nation-state debate. However, the theme has not been analyzed extensively in his translated novels.
Originality/Value: The proposed research will be original and add value to the domain of research because the study explores the theme of power equations in O.V. Vijayan’s texts. The theme is studied with the underpinnings of nation/nation-state, a typical attribute of the Bhasha writing. The analysis will add value to IWE studies as it deliberates on concepts of nation formation, power and class struggle, marginalization in the local Indian communities.
Paper Type: Review Article