Sampath’s Whims and Kulfi’s Fancies: A Dance of Magic Realism and Irony in Kiran Desai’s ‘Orchard’

Abstract

This research paper examines the absurdity and unseen desires in Kiran Desai's Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard. It also examines how the narrative explores issues of repressed urges, cultural conventions, and identity difficulties. In addition to other humorous characters and stories, particular emphasis is given to Sampath's inadvertent escape from the problems of daily life and his mother Kulfi's strange, almost obsessive desire for food and spices.  Desai employs a blend of magical realism and humour to highlight the eccentricity of human conduct setting the plot in a rural Indian environment. This paper will examine how Desai skilfully combines these aspects with comedy, innocence, mysticism, irony, and humour.