Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

Professor Vikas Sharma is an established writer in contemporary India. In the majority of his novels, he has addressed multiple sensitive themes that prevail in our society. As a social writer, he has also presented his philosophy regarding many important developments in modern society. His novel, Honey Trap, presents the clash between idealism and materialism in today's world. Through his protagonist, Mangesh, the author attempts to explore the struggles of an idealist who feels stuck in today's materialistic society. He highlights the conflict between principles and social status. Mangesh starts his life as an idealist and serves society. However, he soon succumbs to materialistic pleasures as his idealism is constantly challenged. Professor Vikas Sharma uses the character of Kuntal to highlight how pervasive materialist values often break idealists. The title of the novel itself is a metaphor for the effects of materialism. This novel is not the personal story of the protagonist; it is a commentary on the broader social structure of modern Indian society that values corruption, consumerism, and ambition over idealism, moral integrity, and principles. This research paper aims to present an analysis of the themes of idealism and materialism in this novel. It explores the central theme of the novel through the experience of the protagonist and highlights the philosophical question raised by the author.

The aim of this paper is dipict a clash between materialism and idealism in Professor Vikas Sharma's novel Honey Trap.