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Pallavi Pallavi

College Of Vocational Studies, Delhi University, English, Faculty Member

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind (Haryana), Department of English, Faculty Member

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Pallavi is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University in Jind, Haryana, India. Additionally, she is actively pursuing her research as a scholar in the Department of English & Foreign Languages at Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa, Haryana, India.

Her research interests revolve around exploring medical narratives, particularly those of doctors and patients. Pallavi focuses on studying their memoirs as embodied texts, with a specific emphasis on understanding how the experience of illness and the constraints of changing space and time impact their sense of identity.

Through her scholarly pursuits, Pallavi aims to contribute to the field of literary studies by shedding light on the intersection of medicine, narrative, and personal identity. Her research endeavors reflect her passion for delving into the intricacies of human experiences and the ways in which they are shaped by various factors.
Supervisors: Prof Deepti Dharmani and Dr. Jyoti Sheoran

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MINHAJ UNIVERSITY

Dr. B. Winmayil

V.V.V.COLLEGE FOR WOMEN

C.C.S. UNIVERSITY, MEERUT

Ram B H A W A N Yadav

Justus-Liebig-University Giessen

Md Jakir Hossain

Murshidabad University

Rajiv Gandhi Institute Of Petroleum Technology

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Papers by Pallavi Pallavi

Postmodernism: Analysing Arvind Aadiga'S The White Tiger

Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great liter... more Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great literary tradition of West. He resisted the idea of universalizing all the narratives into one single packet or category of ultimate objectives like growth, development, progress, triumph et al. His assertion to replace meta-narratives with petits récits can be traced in Aravind Adiga'sBooker Prize winning text The White Tiger (2008). The novel foregrounds the elements of 'narcissism' in narrative technique, that is, it focuses and debates its end proving protagonist's life a paradox itself. It blends the strictly rigid structures of high and low class, making the text a hybrid product. An underdog who resuscitates and embarks on his quest to lead a stately life as "an entrepreneur" and as "a thinking man" make the text revisit past with the irony of hierarchal order being not only broken down but also its rigid boundaries being blurred with a man moving in...

I. A. Richard’s Idea of Sleeping Metaphor vs Live Metaphor

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2022

According to I. A. Richards function of a work of art is to transfer an experience or to communic... more According to I. A. Richards function of a work of art is to transfer an experience or to communicate an emotional idea. For this successful communication certain conditions need to be fulfilled both on the part of reader and the poet. The efficacy to ensure effective communication on part of a reader as explained in Practical Criticism includes avoiding barriers of communication. In the same manner, a poet must possess several characteristics among which inevitable is the command of metaphor. In 1920s, Cambridge critic, I.A. Richards proposed that language is not a signalling system rather it is the instrument of all human development. A metaphor, according to Richards, "is the omnipresent principle of language." This paper attempts to read I. A. Richards' metaphors and how use of metaphor may be taught to understand the language that constitutes our world.

The Significance of Epiphanies in James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2022

In conventional terms, epiphany is an artistic inspiration that is essential in creation of art. ... more In conventional terms, epiphany is an artistic inspiration that is essential in creation of art. It is an integral part of the writings of James Joyce. His aesthetic beliefs evoke him to use the technique of epiphany in his works like "Dubliners", Stephen Hero, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Ulysses, etc. According to Joyce, techniques like epiphanies, stream of consciousness, free indirect narrative, etc. help an author to record transient instants of metaphysical beauty. Epiphanies are the narrative base of his novels. This paper will differentiate religious and scientific epiphanies from secular epiphanies stating that the former are objective in nature and once the truth is revealed, a symbol or phenomena always exist as a form of proof.

Kamala Das’ Poetry: A Feminist Perspective

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2022

Kamala Surayya, or Kamala Das, was a prominent Indian poet and writer who used her work to challe... more Kamala Surayya, or Kamala Das, was a prominent Indian poet and writer who used her work to challenge the patriarchal norms of Indian society. Her poetry, particularly in collections like "Summer in Calcutta," "The Descendants," and "The Old Playhouse and Other Poems," is marked by a strong feminist ethos that celebrates the power, autonomy, and agency of women. In her poetry, Kamala Das critiques the restrictive gender roles imposed on women by society, and advocates for the freedom and self-expression of women. She often uses her own experiences and emotions to illuminate the struggles and triumphs of women everywhere. Her poetry also explores themes of love, sexuality, and identity, often defying societal norms and taboos. One of the key ways in which Kamala Das subverts patriarchy in her poetry is through her depiction of female desire and sexuality. She openly writes about her own sexual experiences and desires, challenging the traditional notion of women as passive and chaste. Through her poetry, Kamala Das empowers women to embrace their sexuality and reject the shame and stigma attached to it. Kamala Das' poetry is replete with feministic ethos. Her poetry is remarkably realistic and feministic. The paper aims at a feminist reading of Kamala Das' poetry whereby she effectively subverts the ingrained elements of patriarchy, privileging female will, choice and strength.

Plurality of Space and Time in Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air

Language in India, 2023

Narratives in medical humanities contribute to an ethical reformation of the medicine field. The ... more Narratives in medical humanities contribute to an ethical reformation of the medicine field. The experiences of patients and doctors make the reader aware of the pain and difficulties they go through. Since any narrative is placed in space and time with the diagnosis of a disease, it veers off making the reader realise the shift in outer and inner space of the doctor/patient. This paper will first discuss the experiences of a doctor-turned patient-Paul Kalanithi as given in his memoir, When Breath Becomes Air by showing how the changes taking place inside his body-innermost space-is affecting his personal space, outer space, and the absolute space. It will then move on to argue the presence of multilayered space and time in the text and its effect on Paul. The paper will conclude by showing that the only thing that remains constant through these changes is his daughter and the memoir that he is writing. Both these entities are the constants that he leaves behind as his legacy in this ephemeral life while striking concessions with the limited time and space he is left with.

Tradition and Modernity in R K Narayan's The Guide

QUOTE UNQUOTE, 2020

All litterateurs articulate the spirit of time which is an accretion of all the political, socia... more All litterateurs articulate the spirit of time which is an
accretion of all the political, social, cultural, and religious
characteristics of a particular age. Great fiction transcends
time and space and enjoys universal response, yet every major
work of art and literature is rooted in the soil of a culture and
is held, with pride, as one in its finest efflorescence. Every
writer is the representative of his time as he gives an outlet to
the fears, emotions, beliefs, customs, weaknesses, vices,
morality, hopes, aspirations, fads, frivolities and enterprises of
that particular era in which he lives and writes. A writer is the
mouthpiece of the contemporary age. Indian ethos is reflected
in various ways in the novels of R. K. Narayan. He has great
regard for family ties and pities of the home and the family.
Human relationship, particularly domestic relationship
occupies a central place in his novels. In his novel, The Guide
one can find the true representation of contemporary Indian
life, traditions and culture in its vivid and realistic forms. The
social realism is extensively and minutely described. This
paper will discuss how tradition and modernity intersect with
each other in The Guide.

Postmodernism: Analysing Arvind Aadiga's The White Tiger

Shalanx International Journal of English , 2018

Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great liter... more Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great literary tradition of West. He resisted the idea of universalizing all the narratives into one single packet or category of ultimate objectives like growth, development, progress, triumph et al. His assertion to replace meta-narratives with petits récits can be traced in Aravind Adiga'sBooker Prize winning text The White Tiger (2008). The novel foregrounds the elements of 'narcissism' in narrative technique, that is, it focuses and debates its end proving protagonist's life a paradox itself. It blends the strictly rigid structures of high and low class, making the text a hybrid product. An underdog who resuscitates and embarks on his quest to lead a stately life as "an entrepreneur" and as "a thinking man" make the text revisit past with the irony of hierarchal order being not only broken down but also its rigid boundaries being blurred with a man moving in and out of it. Adiga's novel talks about all these issues at a time when a majority of people have busied themselves in the celebration of a new emerging, and shining India. Present research is a study of Adiga's "little narratives" revolving around the protagonist, Balram, who breaks totalitarian structures and revel in boulevards which are otherwise censored, through a postmodernist lens.

A Study of Feminist Thought in Virginia Woolf’s Selected Works

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2023

Virginia Woolf was a prominent feminist writer of the early 20th century, who addressed various i... more Virginia Woolf was a prominent feminist writer of the early 20th century, who addressed various issues related to gender inequality and gender roles in her literary works. Her books, A Room of One's Own and Orlando, are considered significant contributions to feminist thought. A Room of One's Own, published in 1929, is one of Woolf's most famous books, which explores the theme of women and literature. The book argues that women writers have been historically marginalized and oppressed due to various societal and institutional barriers, such as lack of access to education, financial independence, and opportunities for creative expression. She emphasizes the importance of women having their own space and resources to pursue their literary ambitions and asserts that women need "a room of one's own and five hundred a year" to write freely and independently. This study is prepared to present pearls and pitfalls of the feminist thought and explains Virginia Woolf's ideas of equality between sexes.

Questions of Travel by Elizabeth Bishop

Teacher-A Blessed Soul

Brad Henry quotes, "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of... more Brad Henry quotes, "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning." This statement proves true to every teacher who enters a class with an aim to bring the desired change in his or her pupils. A teacher can not only bring about change in behavior and conduct of the students but also helps them to acquire knowledge. If an appropriate balance is maintained between impartment of learning skills and values, motivation and attitudes, a strong belief formation can take place among students. A teacher is a lot more than a reservoir of subject knowledge and understanding as her or his real ability lies in bringing about a coveted change in the student. Present paper will study the characteristics of teaching are evident in E.R. Braithewaite's novel To Sir, With Love (1959) a British teacher who goes to teach in a school in South of London. Main Text We all have been students in our respective lives, from kindergarten to higher education we have come across a number of teachers, prolific in their subject area, which played an important role in building us what we are today. They touched upon our very lives and yet remained distant like a cool summer breeze on a scorching hot day. Sometimes they made us laugh and at other times, they reprimanded us, and if necessary even used punitive measures. At times, they influenced our personality, leaving a deep impression on our souls, which we carry even today as we make and move in this world. Do you remember your first teacher? I remember mine. On the first day of school, I was scared, I cried all the way from my home to school. Nevertheless, this inconsolable child wiped her tears when she saw a beautiful woman smiling at her in the classroom, Nursery-A. Her smile was invigorating which helped the child to muster up courage to leave the hand of her mother and walk into the class to the smiling face. She not only taught me my first alphabets and numerals, but also made me learn how to move about in the world on my own. I had left my mother's hand that day to which I used to cling upon whenever I was frightened. It is not that my fears vanished, but my teacher strengthened me to fight them. A teacher applies knowledge, skills, and attributes to meet the educational needs of the society and the individual. Her job is not limited to, meeting curriculum outcomes, but emphasizes the development of values. She guides students in their social relationships, by employing practices that develop a positive self-concept in students. Although the work of a teacher is typically takes place in a classroom, but her success lies in the application of her teachings by the students outside the classroom. There have been instances when we have applied their teachings in the real world bringing their effort to a fruitful resultant. All these characteristics of teaching are evident in E.R. Braithewaite's novel To Sir, With Love (1959) a British teacher who goes to teach in a school in South of London. To Sir With Love is an autobiographical account of E.R. Braithwaite's experience as a teacher in England in the 1940s. Following his discharge from serving in the Royal Air Force, Braithwaite is unable to find work in his desired field of Engineering.

Reflection of Worklife Balance in Literature

IJELLH (International Journal of English Language, Literature in Humanities), 2018

Work has been an integral part of human life since antiquity and man has been involved in various... more Work has been an integral part of human life since antiquity and man has been involved in various activities like hunting and gathering, agriculture, manufacturing during industrial revolution, and creating services in the recent years. The Oxford English Literary Dictionary defines work life as, "a person's life at work or in the workplace, as distinct from domestic or personal life". The three key terms that can be extracted from this definition are work, domestic, and personal life. A person has to strike balance between these three areas in his or her life. Jeffrey H. Greenhaus defined work-life balance as satisfaction and good functioning at work and at home with a minimum of role conflict. This work life balance is an important issue raised in Leo Tolstoy's 1898 novel Anna Karenina through the character of Konstantin Dmitrievich Levin. The characters are divided on the lines of those who 'live to work' like Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin and Sergei Ivanitch Koznyshev and those who 'work to live' like Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky and later Levin too. Tolstoy shows the struggles of his characters finding a balance between their work life and personal life and discusses various factors that negatively affect the work life balance. The mental and physical trajectory of Levin's character well expounds his final attainment of a balance in life, which in consequence led to a spiritual enlightenment in him. This paper explains the conflict revolving around work life balance, its consequences and how balance is ultimately attained taking cue from Tolstoy's work.

Postmodernism: Analysing Arvind Aadiga'S The White Tiger

Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great liter... more Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great literary tradition of West. He resisted the idea of universalizing all the narratives into one single packet or category of ultimate objectives like growth, development, progress, triumph et al. His assertion to replace meta-narratives with petits récits can be traced in Aravind Adiga'sBooker Prize winning text The White Tiger (2008). The novel foregrounds the elements of 'narcissism' in narrative technique, that is, it focuses and debates its end proving protagonist's life a paradox itself. It blends the strictly rigid structures of high and low class, making the text a hybrid product. An underdog who resuscitates and embarks on his quest to lead a stately life as "an entrepreneur" and as "a thinking man" make the text revisit past with the irony of hierarchal order being not only broken down but also its rigid boundaries being blurred with a man moving in...

I. A. Richard’s Idea of Sleeping Metaphor vs Live Metaphor

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2022

According to I. A. Richards function of a work of art is to transfer an experience or to communic... more According to I. A. Richards function of a work of art is to transfer an experience or to communicate an emotional idea. For this successful communication certain conditions need to be fulfilled both on the part of reader and the poet. The efficacy to ensure effective communication on part of a reader as explained in Practical Criticism includes avoiding barriers of communication. In the same manner, a poet must possess several characteristics among which inevitable is the command of metaphor. In 1920s, Cambridge critic, I.A. Richards proposed that language is not a signalling system rather it is the instrument of all human development. A metaphor, according to Richards, "is the omnipresent principle of language." This paper attempts to read I. A. Richards' metaphors and how use of metaphor may be taught to understand the language that constitutes our world.

The Significance of Epiphanies in James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2022

In conventional terms, epiphany is an artistic inspiration that is essential in creation of art. ... more In conventional terms, epiphany is an artistic inspiration that is essential in creation of art. It is an integral part of the writings of James Joyce. His aesthetic beliefs evoke him to use the technique of epiphany in his works like "Dubliners", Stephen Hero, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Ulysses, etc. According to Joyce, techniques like epiphanies, stream of consciousness, free indirect narrative, etc. help an author to record transient instants of metaphysical beauty. Epiphanies are the narrative base of his novels. This paper will differentiate religious and scientific epiphanies from secular epiphanies stating that the former are objective in nature and once the truth is revealed, a symbol or phenomena always exist as a form of proof.

Kamala Das’ Poetry: A Feminist Perspective

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2022

Kamala Surayya, or Kamala Das, was a prominent Indian poet and writer who used her work to challe... more Kamala Surayya, or Kamala Das, was a prominent Indian poet and writer who used her work to challenge the patriarchal norms of Indian society. Her poetry, particularly in collections like "Summer in Calcutta," "The Descendants," and "The Old Playhouse and Other Poems," is marked by a strong feminist ethos that celebrates the power, autonomy, and agency of women. In her poetry, Kamala Das critiques the restrictive gender roles imposed on women by society, and advocates for the freedom and self-expression of women. She often uses her own experiences and emotions to illuminate the struggles and triumphs of women everywhere. Her poetry also explores themes of love, sexuality, and identity, often defying societal norms and taboos. One of the key ways in which Kamala Das subverts patriarchy in her poetry is through her depiction of female desire and sexuality. She openly writes about her own sexual experiences and desires, challenging the traditional notion of women as passive and chaste. Through her poetry, Kamala Das empowers women to embrace their sexuality and reject the shame and stigma attached to it. Kamala Das' poetry is replete with feministic ethos. Her poetry is remarkably realistic and feministic. The paper aims at a feminist reading of Kamala Das' poetry whereby she effectively subverts the ingrained elements of patriarchy, privileging female will, choice and strength.

Plurality of Space and Time in Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air

Language in India, 2023

Narratives in medical humanities contribute to an ethical reformation of the medicine field. The ... more Narratives in medical humanities contribute to an ethical reformation of the medicine field. The experiences of patients and doctors make the reader aware of the pain and difficulties they go through. Since any narrative is placed in space and time with the diagnosis of a disease, it veers off making the reader realise the shift in outer and inner space of the doctor/patient. This paper will first discuss the experiences of a doctor-turned patient-Paul Kalanithi as given in his memoir, When Breath Becomes Air by showing how the changes taking place inside his body-innermost space-is affecting his personal space, outer space, and the absolute space. It will then move on to argue the presence of multilayered space and time in the text and its effect on Paul. The paper will conclude by showing that the only thing that remains constant through these changes is his daughter and the memoir that he is writing. Both these entities are the constants that he leaves behind as his legacy in this ephemeral life while striking concessions with the limited time and space he is left with.

Tradition and Modernity in R K Narayan's The Guide

QUOTE UNQUOTE, 2020

All litterateurs articulate the spirit of time which is an accretion of all the political, socia... more All litterateurs articulate the spirit of time which is an
accretion of all the political, social, cultural, and religious
characteristics of a particular age. Great fiction transcends
time and space and enjoys universal response, yet every major
work of art and literature is rooted in the soil of a culture and
is held, with pride, as one in its finest efflorescence. Every
writer is the representative of his time as he gives an outlet to
the fears, emotions, beliefs, customs, weaknesses, vices,
morality, hopes, aspirations, fads, frivolities and enterprises of
that particular era in which he lives and writes. A writer is the
mouthpiece of the contemporary age. Indian ethos is reflected
in various ways in the novels of R. K. Narayan. He has great
regard for family ties and pities of the home and the family.
Human relationship, particularly domestic relationship
occupies a central place in his novels. In his novel, The Guide
one can find the true representation of contemporary Indian
life, traditions and culture in its vivid and realistic forms. The
social realism is extensively and minutely described. This
paper will discuss how tradition and modernity intersect with
each other in The Guide.

Postmodernism: Analysing Arvind Aadiga's The White Tiger

Shalanx International Journal of English , 2018

Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great liter... more Lyotard broke the incredulity about mythic narratives that have been canonized in the great literary tradition of West. He resisted the idea of universalizing all the narratives into one single packet or category of ultimate objectives like growth, development, progress, triumph et al. His assertion to replace meta-narratives with petits récits can be traced in Aravind Adiga'sBooker Prize winning text The White Tiger (2008). The novel foregrounds the elements of 'narcissism' in narrative technique, that is, it focuses and debates its end proving protagonist's life a paradox itself. It blends the strictly rigid structures of high and low class, making the text a hybrid product. An underdog who resuscitates and embarks on his quest to lead a stately life as "an entrepreneur" and as "a thinking man" make the text revisit past with the irony of hierarchal order being not only broken down but also its rigid boundaries being blurred with a man moving in and out of it. Adiga's novel talks about all these issues at a time when a majority of people have busied themselves in the celebration of a new emerging, and shining India. Present research is a study of Adiga's "little narratives" revolving around the protagonist, Balram, who breaks totalitarian structures and revel in boulevards which are otherwise censored, through a postmodernist lens.

A Study of Feminist Thought in Virginia Woolf’s Selected Works

The Expression: An International Multidisciplinary e-Journal, 2023

Virginia Woolf was a prominent feminist writer of the early 20th century, who addressed various i... more Virginia Woolf was a prominent feminist writer of the early 20th century, who addressed various issues related to gender inequality and gender roles in her literary works. Her books, A Room of One's Own and Orlando, are considered significant contributions to feminist thought. A Room of One's Own, published in 1929, is one of Woolf's most famous books, which explores the theme of women and literature. The book argues that women writers have been historically marginalized and oppressed due to various societal and institutional barriers, such as lack of access to education, financial independence, and opportunities for creative expression. She emphasizes the importance of women having their own space and resources to pursue their literary ambitions and asserts that women need "a room of one's own and five hundred a year" to write freely and independently. This study is prepared to present pearls and pitfalls of the feminist thought and explains Virginia Woolf's ideas of equality between sexes.

Questions of Travel by Elizabeth Bishop

Teacher-A Blessed Soul

Brad Henry quotes, "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of... more Brad Henry quotes, "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning." This statement proves true to every teacher who enters a class with an aim to bring the desired change in his or her pupils. A teacher can not only bring about change in behavior and conduct of the students but also helps them to acquire knowledge. If an appropriate balance is maintained between impartment of learning skills and values, motivation and attitudes, a strong belief formation can take place among students. A teacher is a lot more than a reservoir of subject knowledge and understanding as her or his real ability lies in bringing about a coveted change in the student. Present paper will study the characteristics of teaching are evident in E.R. Braithewaite's novel To Sir, With Love (1959) a British teacher who goes to teach in a school in South of London. Main Text We all have been students in our respective lives, from kindergarten to higher education we have come across a number of teachers, prolific in their subject area, which played an important role in building us what we are today. They touched upon our very lives and yet remained distant like a cool summer breeze on a scorching hot day. Sometimes they made us laugh and at other times, they reprimanded us, and if necessary even used punitive measures. At times, they influenced our personality, leaving a deep impression on our souls, which we carry even today as we make and move in this world. Do you remember your first teacher? I remember mine. On the first day of school, I was scared, I cried all the way from my home to school. Nevertheless, this inconsolable child wiped her tears when she saw a beautiful woman smiling at her in the classroom, Nursery-A. Her smile was invigorating which helped the child to muster up courage to leave the hand of her mother and walk into the class to the smiling face. She not only taught me my first alphabets and numerals, but also made me learn how to move about in the world on my own. I had left my mother's hand that day to which I used to cling upon whenever I was frightened. It is not that my fears vanished, but my teacher strengthened me to fight them. A teacher applies knowledge, skills, and attributes to meet the educational needs of the society and the individual. Her job is not limited to, meeting curriculum outcomes, but emphasizes the development of values. She guides students in their social relationships, by employing practices that develop a positive self-concept in students. Although the work of a teacher is typically takes place in a classroom, but her success lies in the application of her teachings by the students outside the classroom. There have been instances when we have applied their teachings in the real world bringing their effort to a fruitful resultant. All these characteristics of teaching are evident in E.R. Braithewaite's novel To Sir, With Love (1959) a British teacher who goes to teach in a school in South of London. To Sir With Love is an autobiographical account of E.R. Braithwaite's experience as a teacher in England in the 1940s. Following his discharge from serving in the Royal Air Force, Braithwaite is unable to find work in his desired field of Engineering.

Reflection of Worklife Balance in Literature

IJELLH (International Journal of English Language, Literature in Humanities), 2018

Work has been an integral part of human life since antiquity and man has been involved in various... more Work has been an integral part of human life since antiquity and man has been involved in various activities like hunting and gathering, agriculture, manufacturing during industrial revolution, and creating services in the recent years. The Oxford English Literary Dictionary defines work life as, "a person's life at work or in the workplace, as distinct from domestic or personal life". The three key terms that can be extracted from this definition are work, domestic, and personal life. A person has to strike balance between these three areas in his or her life. Jeffrey H. Greenhaus defined work-life balance as satisfaction and good functioning at work and at home with a minimum of role conflict. This work life balance is an important issue raised in Leo Tolstoy's 1898 novel Anna Karenina through the character of Konstantin Dmitrievich Levin. The characters are divided on the lines of those who 'live to work' like Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin and Sergei Ivanitch Koznyshev and those who 'work to live' like Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky and later Levin too. Tolstoy shows the struggles of his characters finding a balance between their work life and personal life and discusses various factors that negatively affect the work life balance. The mental and physical trajectory of Levin's character well expounds his final attainment of a balance in life, which in consequence led to a spiritual enlightenment in him. This paper explains the conflict revolving around work life balance, its consequences and how balance is ultimately attained taking cue from Tolstoy's work.