Investigating Extended Kin as A Positive Psychology Amidst the Collectivistic Forces of Anita Desai’s Fasting, Feasting

Abstract

Anita Desai’s formative work, Fasting Feasting is a commentary on both individual and collective system of values. It provides an emphasis on family as a group with a sense of interdependence and interconnectedness. But is this interdependence and interconnectedness a source of warmth, acceptance, comfortable personal space devoid of any conflict, recognizing the self not as selfish but as the necessary individual identity and autonomy. This paper is a study on how the individual priorities come face to face with those of the group such as family. How an individual is shaken to the core, loses one’s confidence and will power through a repetitive pattern of onslaught from a group psyche. However, the argument is extended when one is able to find the emotional support of the redeeming fulcrum from the extended kin such as uncle-aunts, cousins. The paper will look into the presence of such a collaborative stimulus that can offer a balance to the aversive control of familial-groups and manifest a coping mechanism for the victim. It helps provide the space which is personal and respected. Desai endorses this argument in the wavering moods across the moments of joy, confidence, assurance and self-discovery to insecure, self-doubting, lack of assurance, timid silences of the main cast Uma in the presence and absence of the extended kin. She delineates, meticulously the ideals of positive psychology by allowing positive interactions and promoting emotional well-being of one through these associations.The novel candidly via the wholesome presence of these elements unveils the idea in the experience and perceptions of Uma, her struggles and a sense of entrapment in her efforts to combat the external, oppressive, collectivist forces that come in the way to her own path of individuality and personal happiness and how the transient reliefs in the presence of the extended kin emerge as redemptive comforting enforcement and provide a balanced sustenance periodically.