The Idea of Society as Law Limiting the Freedom of Individual Spirit An Analysis of Select Indian Literary Works through the Lens of John Finnis Theory of Natural Law

Abstract

The present research aims at analyzing Indian literary texts juxtapositioning the newlinehypothesis of society operating as a law with the theory of practical reasonableness newlineof John Finnis. It analyses the various pragmatic nuances of law, individualism, newlinecommunity and society. The research also explores the denouement of whether it newlinelimits the freedom of individual spirit. To aid the analyses, the eclectic mix of law and newlineliterature are juxtapositioned to support and to understand the meeting ground of both to newlineserve emotional intelligence. Even though the field of law and the field of literature have newlinebeen perceived to be the polar opposites of each other, the common ground between the newlinetwo is the excellent usage and interpretation of language. That middle ground helps newlinepeople to find solutions to their problems in life. In this study, the researcher has taken newlineup the following idea. Society is created for the well-being of the individuals in it. But newlinewhen the numbers outgrow the society, it starts to behave as an individual and frames its newlineown codes to limit the freedom of an individual human being in a systematic state. This newlineparadox is widely discussed in the field of literature. To find a plausible solution to this newlineproblem, the researcher carefully analyses Aravind Adiga s The White Tiger, Mulk Raj newlineAnand s Coolie, Vijay Tendulkar s Silence! the Court Is In Session, Rajam Krishnan s newlineLamps in the Whirlpool and M.K. Gandhi s My Experiments with Truth. The thesis newlineaims to establish the importance of individuals living in the Indian society through the newlinelegal philosopher John Finnis Natural Law Theory. newline