Culture Clash and Duality of Youth in Chetan Bhagat's 2 States: The Story of My Marriage

Abstract

This present study points out into the portrayal of a Duality of Youth Culture in Chetan Bhagat's novel 2 States: The Story of My Marriage. The protagonists Krish and Ananya serve to explore the complexities of cultural identity and the unique challenges faced by young individuals as they navigate the conflicting expectations of traditional values and modern aspirations in India. These two central characters come from different cultural backgrounds, Krish being a Punjabi from Delhi and Ananya a Tamil Brahmin from Chennai. Their love story serves as a lens through which Bhagat explores the complexities of cultural identity in contemporary India. Instead, they undergo internal conflicts and external pressures and they must reconcile their desires with the traditions and values passed down by their families. Because of the important cultural norms and values, Krish and Ananya can easily change their way of lives. The reflection of a journey of Krish and Ananya’s personal experiences, conflicts, and their attempts to negotiate their diverse identities and cultural homogenization. Through the valuable theoretical insights provided by Paul Du Gay in Cultural Identity Theory it the captivating dynamics of contemporary youth in India is shown. The dual nature - a fusion of traditional values and modern influences is prevalent in modern day youths. Key Words: Cultural Clash, Identity, Marriage, Youth, Duality