Illusion and Reality - A Comparative Study

To express oneself is a basic trait inherent in all individuals. Self-realization is the essential quality that enables self-expression. One who does not comprehend the reality and attempts to escape from it loses his identity and lives in a world of illusion. When awareness blossoms in the mind, it destroys illusion and leads to reality. Illusion and reality are two different levels of consciousness which can entangle or liberate an individual respectively. With rapid industrialization the occupational life of people has made them seek material possessions effacing the significance of human values. When one realizes the void in materialistic pleasures a feeling of alienation arises. What once gave joy becomes an illusion. When one does not discern reality and the importance of interpersonal relationships and quests for the sense of belonging to the modern world, he lands in self destructive illusion. This book analyses exclusively the conflict of illusion and reality in the characters of the two novels rather than attempting to pass a general observation. The analysis will interest readers who have a metaphysical approach to literature for intellectual satisfaction.

Latha V, M.A, B.Ed, M.Phil, PGDJMC. Assistant Professor, Department of English, Cauvery College for Women, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Has given more than ten talks on ‘The Usage of English in day-to-day Life’ on the All India Radio.