A Utilitarian Reading of Shashi Deshpande’s “If I Die Today”

Peer-Reviewed
The Criterion

The Criterion: An International Journal in English ISSN: 0976-8165

Open Access

Indian Literature

A Utilitarian Reading of Shashi Deshpande’s “If I Die Today”

Dr. Sheema Quraishi
Volume / Issue
Vol. 17, Issue 1 · February 2026

Pages
422-431

Article ID
2026V17N1106

Abstract

A utilitarian reading of Deshpande’s novel ‘If I Die Today’ might be a challenging task but the Indian society is deep rooted with the philosophies. The changing dynamics of the society can be seen in her novels too. This paper explores the utilitarian philosophy in the theme and the decisions taken by the characters particularly the Utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham which emphasizes on the maximization of happiness and minimization of the sufferings. Deshpande deliberately shows the creeping seeds of utilitarianism in Indian society. The key features to analyze this text is consequentialism, hedonism and utilitarianism. Qualitative textual analysis has been done in order to interpret moral and philosophical themes in the novel. This paper demonstrates how utilitarian themes influence narrative conflicts and character development. This paper concludes that If I Die Today showcases the limitations and tensions of utilitarianism within interpersonal relationships and social responsibilities.

Keywords

Utilitarianismhedonismconsequentialismempathy and inclusive concernsocial impactfuture oriented happiness

Article History

Received
31-01-2026
Accepted
13 February 2026
Published Online
3 February 2026

How to Cite

Dr. Sheema Quraishi. “A Utilitarian Reading of Shashi Deshpande’s “If I Die Today”.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 422-431. ISSN: 0976-8165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n1.30

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