Contradicion of modernity in V.S. Naipaul’s A House for Mr. Biswas

Abstract

This paper entitled Contradiction of Modernity in V.S. Naipaul'sA House for Mr. Biswas,explores the forces of traditionalism, patriarchal rigidity, modern dilemma, identity crisis and right to freedom in the protagonist Mr. Biswas and other major characters. The study engages with issues around modernity such as rising capitalism, globalization, industrialization,postcolonial impacts, socio-cultural practices of that contemporary time and Naipaul stands asa witness of all these issues in his novel. This research also examines dilemma between traditionalist and modernist clash behind the critique of the protagonist’s conditions and other incidents inside the story by observing the quest of freedom, alienation, rootlesness, quest of stability, fixity and certainty. The study employs theoretical insights related to modernity elaborated byAnthony Giddens, Jurgen Habermas, and Ulrich Beck. Themain aim of this research studyis to seek out the issues of contradiction in modernity that is found in the novel.This research finally concludes that Naipaul's novel exposes the trend and traits oflife living culture, social standarities, time-dynamism, socio-cultural practices and different circumstances emerging by time factors. Keywords: traditionalism, modernity, capitalism, globalization, alienation, rootlessness, contradiction