Exploring the Saga of Self-Realisation Through Protagonists in O. V. Vijayan’s Selected Novels

Abstract

 O. V. Vijayan’s novels explore the deep journey of self-realisation through characters who face personal, social, and spiritual challenges. His protagonists are often shown searching for meaning in life while dealing with the conflicts of tradition, modernity, and inner emptiness. This paper discusses how Vijayan presents the idea of self-discovery in novels like “The Legends of Khasak” and “The Saga of Dharmapuri”, where the main characters experience a spiritual quest that goes beyond their everyday lives. Vijayan uses symbols, myths, philosophical ideas, and beliefs. The clash of old customs with modern realities, along with the burden of history, forms the setting for these inner journeys. The paper also studies Vijayan’s unique writing style, which blends realistic situations with mystical and spiritual reflections, bringing out the emotional and intellectual struggles of his characters.