Tension of Tradition and Modernity in ManjuKapur'sHome

Abstract

This research analyzes the novel of ManjuKapur'sHomefrom the perspective of modernity. Tensions between tradition and modernity, represented in the novel can be viewed against the influence of western culture that have taken place in twenty first century within the lives of people in India. Ideological stance on the notions of tradition vs. modernity in respect to the conflicting issue, through thecharacters asNisha, Rupa, Yashpal, Ajay,Vijaya and Raju, where they almost abandoned their parental business style, traditional thinkingand moves aheadtheir ownway either in their business or in the family life. Yashpal falls in love with a girl who is from lower class in economic strata and gets married to her which creates a kind of tussle in his family due to modernity. Similarly, shift from traditional clothshop to readymade fancy shop deals with the issue of metropolitan influences on Indian youths. Characters in the novel are deviated from their social norms and values due to the influences of western values on Indian society is a sign of modernity. In the novel, joint family dissects into single settlement, characters start to adopt modernity, forgetting their traditional norms and values for their benefit. Key words: Tension, Tradition, Modernity, Identity