Exploring Hyperreality in Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness through Jean Baudrillard's Theory

Abstract

Postmodernism marks a shift from modernist ideologies, embracing concepts such as fragmented narratives, intertextuality, magic realism, and the focus on micro-narratives over meta-narratives. One of its key features is its emphasis on localized, individual experiences rather than universal truths. Jean Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality (1994) emerges as a critical lens within postmodernism, examining how simulations and representations blur the boundaries between reality and fiction, creating constructed realities.  Arundhati Roy, as a postmodern writer, brings the struggles of marginalized communities and fragmented identities into focus in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2018). Her narrative is deeply aligned with hyperreality, offering simulated yet deeply evocative realities that mirror socio-political contradictions. Through Roy’s fragmented storytelling, the novel critiques traditional constructs and unveils the simulated worlds within modern Indian society. This research examines Roy’s work using Baudrillard’s framework to explore how hyperreal elements manifest in her depiction of displacement, identity crises, and socio-political realities. By analyzing Roy’s construction of hyperreality, the study reveals how The Ministry of Utmost Happiness challenges conventional notions of truth and representation, situating it firmly within the realm of postmodern literary inquiry. This exploration not only enriches the understanding of Roy’s narrative techniques but also highlights the applicability of Baudrillard’s theory to contemporary literature.