Search for Identity in D. B. Gurung's Sleepwalk

Abstract

This research on D. B. Gurung's Sleepwalk studies the poet's search for self-identity as Gurung, a member of ethnic community from Darjeeling, India, goes through severe sense of identity crisis in Nepal. The poet finds and meaningfulness in his life, and fruitfulness of his action in the Brahamin/Chhetri dominated country. The sleepwalker finds himself alienated, unidentified as a stranger. Gradually, the sleepwalker realizes the meaningfulness of his life and action in the existing world. He also knows about the unavoidability of time and uncomfortable nature of the world in the changed context. He gets only hardship, bitterness and fruitfulness in spite of his indomitable academic endeavours. He attempts to reveal his unrevealed identity and establish a sense of his self through his poetic creation. Thus, his creation reflects his search for identity and individuality. In the post-democratic period in Nepal