Living with Difference: Disability and Empathy in Durjoy Datta’s The Girl of My Dreams

Anu D.
Research Scholar (Register number: 241131502048),
Department of English, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil- 629 002.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627012, Tamil Nadu, India.)
Email: anupenelope@gmail.com

Dr. R. Senitha
Assistant Professor & Research Supervisor,
Department of English, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil- 629 002.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627012, Tamil Nadu, India.)
Email: senitha87@gmail.com

Abstract
Living with difference is a life that has a strong and long-lasting ability. Differences in lifestyles demand much struggle, both from personal and social perspectives. In the novel The Girl of My Dreams, the protagonist Daman suffers from his past trauma, mental disorders, and social exclusion. This paper discusses how these people relate their emotional and mental health issues to others and stresses their difficulties in maintaining relationships.

Durjoy Datta highlights the importance of empathy as a tool for personal growth. Furthermore, it enables one to feel other people’s emotions or pains as if they were their own. Daman’s ongoing battle with PTSD and memory loss causes him a great deal of stress and makes him doubt who he is. He becomes aware of his strengths and values because of his gradual recovery. He develops emotional resilience after dealing with a variety of mental health issues. His travel as a disabled person promotes awareness about the importance of an inclusive environment. Durjoy Datta brings out the challenges faced by the socially marginalized people with emotional or psychological disorders.

Keywords: Disability, Empathy, Inclusive, Trauma.