Dr Harsh Trivedi

My primary research interest is the 19^th century realist novel, with a special focus on the works of Balzac. In my doctoral research, I have explored ‘fictive works’ (works created by Balzac’s characters) that inhabit the narrative levels of La Comédie humaine with the aim of studying the interrelations between their narrative functions and their thematic content. My doctoral thesis was the first systemic study of the phenomenon of fictive works in La Comédie humaine and discloses several important functions carried out by the fictive works. With my doctoral research, I have contributed to the advancement of new perspectives in Balzac studies that have emerged in the last decade and that challenge the rigid and at times reductionist discourses established over the second half of the Twentieth century pertaining to the idea of ‘unity’ in the works of Balzac, and to a re-examination of ‘realisms’ in 19^th century European literature.

I am also interested in exploring contemporary French literature, especially in studying Capitalist realism and problems of representation in the works of Michel Houellebecq. 

My other research interests include modern and contemporary Indian literature (English, Hindi), especially postcolonial Indian literature. 

I am translating the works of Honoré de Balzac from French to Hindi with the aim of eventually making the entirety of Balzac’s La Comédie humaine accessible to Hindi readers. 

I am also interested in creative writing and have published a political fiction novel titled Against Ambedkar, Against the World (Leadstart Publications, Mumbai, 2016) and am currently working on my second novel.