Abstract

Existentialism garnered by a sense of alienation is the forte of Anita Desai. This paper titled ‘Anita Desai’s “In Custody” in a Maze of Existentialism’ shows the tumultuous pathos that fitted the subaltern existential struggles engulfing the life of Deven in In Custody. The crux of the problem is the existential absurdity, a sense of disorientation and confusion in the face of apparently meaningless world. This existential crisis leads to complete desolation, void giving him a sense of complete isolation. Isolation, alienation from the socio-cultural sphere generates a sense of freedom, a liberty that guides him to action. It is through the existential pangs suffered in entrapment that the protagonist moves to the ultimate realization that liberty is with creativity. Only pure freedom working with a sense of responsibility can help one to find the basic truth of life- from endless struggles to a state of trance and tranquility. The research paper focuses on the problem of existentialism ushered by a series of entrapments to the feeling of liberty in an act of responsible creation. Deven initially lacking identity illuminates gloriously on being the responsible custodian of Urdu language, poetry and the poet himself.

Key words: Creation, existentialism, liberty.