Volume IV Special Issue VII September 2024

Name of Author : Jagadeesh Kumar M, Dr. Shanthi S

Title of the paper : Free Out Pass : From Alienation To Renewed Hope In Benyamins Goat Days

Abstract: Alienation is a broad issue that can manifest in various forms. It affects individuals on social, psychological, cultural, economic, existential and relational level. Ones well-being and quality of life may be significantly impacted by this strong sense of alienation or estrangement. Goat Days by Benyamin, portrays the protagonist Najeeb, a migrant worker from Kerala, India who travels to Saudi Arabia with hopes of improving his financial status and the severe identity crisis in Saudi Arabia, too. He is bought by an Arab owner of a herd of goats and forced to work as a slave, taking care of the goats in a horrible desert climate. He is able to bear his sufferings only because of his strong religious beliefs, his fond recollections of his time at home and his love for his beloved wife Sainu. His utmost determination, hope and courage amidst hard times made him chose to fight for his life, his identity and his freedom. This paper aims to show how alienation and hope are interlinked in his journey from profound alienation to renewed hope and even in the darkest moments, the human spirit has the capacity to find hope and resilience.

Keywords : Alienation, Goat Days, Diaspora, Survival, Hope

DOI :

Page Number : 103-106