Abstract
Arun Joshi’s novels delve into the existential conflicts between materialism and spiritualism, presenting protagonists who struggle to reconcile their worldly pursuits with their deeper, often unfulfilled, spiritual yearnings. This study explores whether Joshi’s protagonists achieve spiritual fulfillment, the philosophical significance of their ambiguous endings, and the lessons his works offer to contemporary society. Through a close analysis of The Foreigner, The Strange Case of Billy Biswas, The Last Labyrinth, and The Apprentice, this paper examines the psychological and philosophical dilemmas that shape the characters’ journeys. Despite their attempts at transcendence, these protagonists remain trapped in existential uncertainties, underscoring the challenges of attaining spiritual fulfillment in a materialistic world. The ambiguous conclusions of Joshi’s novels reinforce the complexities of human existence, aligning with existentialist philosophies that reject absolute resolution