The SPL Journal of Literary Hermeneutics: A Biannual International Journal of Independent Critical Thinking https://literaryherm.org/index.php/ojs <h2>ABOUT THE SPLJLH JOURNAL</h2> <p><strong><em>The SPL Journal of Literary Hermeneutics: A Biannual International Journal of Independent Critical Thinking</em> </strong>is an Open Access, Double-blind Peer-reviewed/Refereed Journal. It is published in the months of January and July as Winter and Monsoon Editions. The journal aims at providing a better understanding of the polyphonic literary narratives. It aims to envisage the literary narratives not as an autonomous entity but as convergence where literary and extra-literary concerns interact and influence in subtle ways. The journal is, therefore, committed to recording the responses of readers, scholars, and academicians who approach a literary text as an interpretive dialogue across cultures, literatures, themes, concepts, and genres. The overall focus of the journal is on literary hermeneutics and independent critical thinking. The Journal aims to provide a forum for all like-minded scholars, researchers, academicians, independent critical thinkers, and creative writers globally.</p> <p><strong style="font-size: 0.875rem;">JOURNALS PARTICULARS</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Title: </strong><em><a href="http://www.literaryherm.org/">The SPL Journal of Literary Hermeneutics: A Biannual International Journal of Independent Critical Thinking</a></em></li> <li><strong>Frequency: </strong>Biannual</li> <li><strong>ISSN: </strong><a href="https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN-L/2583-1674">2583-1674</a></li> <li><strong>Publisher: </strong><a href="http://www.cavemarkpublications.com/">Cavemark Publications Private Limited</a> </li> <li><strong>Chief Editor: </strong><a href="http://www.tariqfaraz.net/">Dr. Mohammad Tariq</a></li> <li><strong>Starting Year: </strong>January 2021</li> <li><strong>Indexed by:</strong> <a href="https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN-L/2583-1674">ROAD</a></li> <li><strong>Open Access</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Subject: </strong>Literature</li> <li><strong>Language: </strong>English</li> <li><strong>Publication Format: </strong><a href="http://www.literaryherm.org/">Online</a></li> <li><strong>Publishing Timeline: </strong>12 Weeks</li> <li><strong>Acceptance Rate:</strong> 35 %</li> <li><strong>Use of AI:</strong> Not more than 10 %</li> <li><strong>Phone No.: </strong>+91-9450297747 </li> <li><strong>Email ID: </strong><a href="mailto:editor@literaryherm.org">editor@literaryherm.org</a> / <a href="mailto:literaryherm@gmail.com">literaryherm@gmail.com</a></li> <li><strong>Mobile No.: </strong>+91-7007267681</li> <li><strong>Website: </strong><a href="http://www.literaryherm.org/">www.literaryherm.org</a> / <a href="http://www.cavemarkpublications.com/">www.cavemarkpublications.com</a></li> <li><strong>Address: </strong>PN 6-7 Bhadurpur (Phool Bagh Colony), Kursi Road, Lucknow UP—226026 India</li> <li><strong>Content-type: </strong>Academic/Scholarly/ Peer- Reviewed/ Refereed Review</li> <li><strong>Scope: </strong>Journal accepts unpublished works but not limited to the following: Indian Literature in English, Pakistani English Literature, SAARC Literature, African American Literature, British Literature, American Literature, Art, Aesthetics, Myth, Culture, Folklore, Canadian Literature, Children’s Literature, Dalit Literature, Diaspora Studies, Disability Studies, Disaster Literature, English Language Teaching, Gender Studies, Postcolonial Literature, Tribal Literature, Commonwealth Literature, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, Cyber Literature, Linguistics, Science Fiction and Cultural Analysis and Translation Studies and Literature and theory of literature, women’s studies, world literature, etc.</li> <li><strong>Policy: </strong>Double Blind Peer Review Policy, open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License Licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License</a></li> <li><strong>Review</strong> <strong>Time: </strong>A fortnight.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Statement on the Use of AI Tools</strong></p> <p>The SPL Journal of Literary Hermeneutics emphasizes originality, integrity, and transparency in scholarly work. We believe that human-authored contributions provide the strongest foundation for rigorous and innovative academic research in media and communication studies.</p> <p>In alignment with these principles, the journal does not endorse or encourage the use of generative AI tools for preparing abstracts submitted for consideration. If an author opts to use such tools, they are required to disclose this in their submission. The disclosure must include:</p> <ol> <li>The name of the AI tool used.</li> <li>A description of how the tool was utilized in preparing the abstract.</li> <li>The rationale for using the tool.</li> </ol> <p>Failure to provide this disclosure may affect the evaluation and acceptance of the submission. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to uphold the standards of academic integrity and foster a culture of ethical research practices.</p> Cavemark Publications Private Limited en-US The SPL Journal of Literary Hermeneutics: A Biannual International Journal of Independent Critical Thinking 2583-1674 Portrayal of Communal Harmony and Religious Discord in Never Together Never Apart https://literaryherm.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/251 <p><strong>Aim: </strong><em>This paper aims to explore the portrayal of communal harmony and the underlying discord caused by religious differences in Professor Vikas Sharma’s novel Never Together Never Apart. It investigates how literature can act as a reflective medium for socio-political realities, particularly the dynamics of interfaith relationships and communal violence in contemporary India.</em></p> <p><strong>Methodology and Approaches: </strong><em>The study employs a close textual analysis of the novel, focusing on character development, narrative structure, and thematic depth. A qualitative approach is adopted, with the novel examined through the lens of cultural studies and postcolonial theory. Attention is given to historical and social contexts, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the author emerged as a voice of social concern.</em></p> <p><strong>Outcome: </strong><em>The analysis reveals that Never Together Never Apart is not merely a love story but a layered socio-political commentary that critiques the fragile nature of communal relationships in India. Through its characters and plot, the novel reflects how deeply religious prejudices can fracture human bonds while also offering glimpses of hope through moments of understanding and empathy.</em></p> <p><strong>Conclusion and Suggestions: </strong><em>The paper concludes that literature such as Sharma’s can play a vital role in promoting communal understanding by presenting humanized narratives of conflict and coexistence. It suggests that more literary works engaging with interfaith themes should be incorporated into academic discourse to broaden perspectives and foster social sensitivity.</em></p> Poorvi Garg Copyright (c) 2025 Poorvi Garg https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 2025-07-01 2025-07-01 5 2 1 10 Reframing India: Mahesh Dattani’s Exploration of Cultural and Social Diversity in Contemporary Theatre https://literaryherm.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/257 <p><strong>Aim:</strong> <em>This paper aims to explore how Mahesh Dattani’s dramatic oeuvre reconfigures Indian identity by engaging with the complex cultural and societal dynamics of contemporary India. The focus is on how Dattani challenges monolithic narratives rooted in patriarchal, heteronormative, and hegemonic structures through plays such as </em><em>Tara</em><em>, </em><em>Final Solutions</em><em>, </em><em>On a Muggy Night in Mumbai</em><em>, </em><em>Seven Steps Around the Fire</em><em>, and </em><em>Dance Like a Man</em><em>.</em></p> <p><strong>Methodology and Approach:</strong> <em>The researcher adopts postcolonial and multicultural theoretical frameworks to analyze Dattani’s plays. The study involves a close reading of primary texts supported by critical secondary sources. Attention is given to Dattani’s dramaturgical techniques, including non-linear narratives, naturalistic dialogue, and Brechtian distancing, to understand how these elements contribute to his critique of societal norms.</em></p> <p><strong>Outcome:</strong> <em>The analysis reveals that Dattani’s theatre foregrounds marginalized voices—women, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, and hijras—while exploring the tensions between tradition and modernity. His plays challenge communalism, gender inequity, and social exclusion, presenting India as a pluralistic society that embraces diversity.</em></p> <p><strong>Conclusion and Suggestions:</strong> <em>Dattani’s work positions theatre as a powerful medium for fostering dialogue and inclusivity. By reimagining Indian identity through the lens of heterogeneity and social justice, his plays advocate for a society that acknowledges and celebrates difference. The study suggests that future theatrical and literary research should continue to focus on marginalized voices to further enrich the discourse on Indian identity.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Sanjay Kumar Copyright (c) 2025 Sanjay Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 2025-07-01 2025-07-01 5 2 11 21 Cultural Narratives and Poetic Imagination: Myths and Fairy Tales in Robinson Jeffers’ Poems https://literaryherm.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/254 <p><strong>Aim:</strong><em> This study aims to establish the idea that myths and fairy tales in various literary forms and environments are reflections of the socio-cultural constructs in a particular society. It is also the objective of this essay to highlight the various pros and cons of myths and fairy tales in the poems of Robinson Jeffers. </em></p> <p><strong>Methodology and Approach:</strong><em> This essay discusses the terms ‘myths’ and ‘fairy tales’ in brief and their role in poems as socio-cultural constructs. It is also the essay’s objective to reconsider the purpose of poets and other creative writers in telling and retelling myths, legends, and fairy tales in literature and other artistic discourses. Besides, this essay also tries to have an analysis of the experience of traveling or journeys while meditating through different myths and fairy tales through wonderlands, miraculous worlds, elfin grots, and fairy castles along with the realization that all these provide a sufficient background for poetry, drama and literature with the purpose of constructing culture, the ideals and values accepted by society</em></p> <p><strong>Outcomes:</strong><em> This study has sought to establish that myths and fairy tales, as socio-cultural constructs, play a vital role in shaping and reflecting societal values, beliefs, and norms</em></p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong><em> Myths and fairy tales not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide a platform for engaging with contemporary issues, offering new perspectives on identity, power dynamics, and social hierarchies.</em></p> Alvin Joseph Copyright (c) 2025 Alvin Joseph https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 2025-07-01 2025-07-01 5 2 22 29 Female Characters in Prof. Vikas Sharma’s Sana and the Issue of Women Empowerment https://literaryherm.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/256 <p><strong>Aim: </strong><em>This paper aims to identify the issue of women’s empowerment as demonstrated in Vikash Sharma's novel Sana through the eventful lives of several female characters. Prof. Sharma highlights various important issues faced by women in contemporary times, marked by complexity. The paper focuses on their struggles with career building, marriage, adultery, and many other social problems, as well as how they quest for their identity. The clash between traditional values and modern Western attitudes toward life is also clearly emphasized. This paper attempts to examine these points from different angles.</em></p> <p><strong>Methodology and Approach: </strong><em>The author has consulted both primary and secondary sources as part of his research. Furthermore, feminist theories have been applied to analyze the problems faced by the female characters. Additionally, several online materials have been utilized in this paper.</em></p> <p><strong>Outcome: </strong><em>Through this paper, the researcher found that in the cities of today's postmodern India, rich and educated women have established themselves as independent human beings, revolting against the social bondage of patriarchy. The paper highlights different issues in which female characters emerge as a dynamic force in society, capable of writing the script of their own lives.</em></p> <p><strong>Conclusion and Suggestions: </strong><em>The paper concentrates on the conflict between tradition and modernism in Indian society regarding women’s emancipation. It focuses on how the new age welcomes women endowed with the spirit of independence, while their minds remain deeply rooted in tradition.</em></p> Tanmoy Pandit Copyright (c) 2025 Tanmoy Pandit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 2025-07-01 2025-07-01 5 2 30 36