Transhumanism In Girish Karnad's Hayavadana
Being Human and Beyond Human: Transhumanism in Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana Amrutha Mohan Independent researcher MA (2014-16) Institute of English (University of Kerala) Abstract Girish Karnad is regarded as one of the luminiferous stars in the universe of Indian theatre. His plays are renowned for its innovative tone and aesthetic appeal. Hayavadana, his third play, spins around the theme of identity and quest for perfection. Two plots appear intertwined in Hayavdana- one is the triangle relationship of Padmini, Kapila and Devadatta and the other is the sub plot which deals with the story of Hayavadana. The story of Padmini’s inexhaustible desire for a perfect husband aptly fits to a play which deals with the theme of human completeness. Transhumanism is a method and process which focuses on the elevation of human capabilities with the help of technology. Transhumans imply humans whose qualities are more than ordinary humans and haven’t reached the extraordinary level of posthumans and thus it depicts a middle stage between humans and post-humans. The research paper juggles with the trope of human and tries …show more content…
“Transhumanists promote the view that human enhancement technologies should be made widely available…” [1]. Transhumanism is an extension of humanism and looks forward in improving the abilities of humans. “Transhumanism do not speak in one voice, and the movement expresses a variety of impulses (…) Several themes are common to transhumanist discourse: the view of evolving human nature, the focus on biotechnological enhancement that will exceed ordinary human physical and cognitive traits, a deep concern for longevity…”[4]. Padmini’s quest is also synonymous with such transhuman perspectives. Human body and mind forms the focus of Padmini’s
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