Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

Humour and humanism, though distinct in theoretical definitions, often converge in literature to produce narratives that are simultaneously entertaining and ethically reflective. In the realm of Indian English fiction, R.K. Narayan and Khushwant Singh stand out as two master practitioners of this fusion. Narayan’s gentle irony, rooted in the small-town ethos of Malgudi, conveys a tolerant humanism that accepts flaws as intrinsic to life. Singh’s satire, more direct and provocative, confronts social, political, and moral hypocrisies with fearless candour. This paper offers a comparative analysis of their works, drawing on novels such as The Vendor of Sweets, The Man-Eater of Malgudi, Train to Pakistan, and Delhi. Through textual and thematic analysis, the study explores how their humour, though stylistically divergent, serves the common goal of affirming human dignity and moral consciousness. The findings suggest that while Narayan’s humour reconciles and soothes, Singh’s provokes and challenges, together enriching Indian English literature with diverse modes of moral engagement.