Gaping Generation Gap in Preeti Shenoy's a Hundred Little Flames

The oeuvre of Preeti Shenoy is remarkable for her exquisite portrayal of characters. The title of the novel that is taken up for investigation is highly suggestive. A flame cannot brighten up or lead any one’s life or path. But when many flames are put together it becomes a torch to walk with confidence even in darkness. The protagonist Ayan is humble in his desire and aim. His father prods him often to attain greater heights in his career. Ayan is neither determinate to achieve his goal nor passionate to set his goal. The generation gap between Ayan and his father is far wide, whereas his wave length astutely sinks with his grandfather. Ayan is able to cope with his grandfather but not with his father. It is not the age that brings discrepancies between father and son. The egoistic clash and the individual pride adhering to the prejudice widen the gap in the relationship among fathers and sons. This paper investigates the background of the gap and how it is resolved in the novel chosen.