Trading Lives: A Dystopian Tale of Bartered Bodies in Manjula Padmanabhan’s Play ‘Harvest’

Abstract

The ethical dilemma surrounding organ donation lies at the core of modern medical ethics, as the juxtaposition between the noble act of voluntary organ donation and the illicit trade of human organs reveals a complex web of moral, legal, and socio-economic implications. While the former embodies the pinnacle of altruism, illustrating principles of compassion and solidarity, the latter commodifies this selfless act, turning it into an instrument of exploitation. To address these issues, it is crucial to explore the dynamics of the illegal trade and devise comprehensive solutions that align with justice and human dignity. Drawing upon this context, Manjula Padmanabhan’s play ‘Harvest’ deserves a dedicated reading as it plunges readers into a dystopian world where buying and selling human organs has become the norm. In such a twisted reality, individuals are forced to trade their flesh and blood, sacrificing their physical and mental well-being for survival. It raises the issues of moral decay and dehumanization that accompany the commodification of bodies. The current study analyses the play ‘Harvest’ through an interdisciplinary approach that combines medical ethics, human rights, and social justice. This analysis seeks to examine the chilling echoes of this twisted existence, serving as a reminder of the dire consequences that befall a society when the pursuit of survival replaces the pursuit of happiness. In conclusion, this paper posits that the exploitation of human organs perpetuates a cycle of suffering and regret that blurs the line between survival and existence.



Author Information
Swagatika Dash, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, India
Ashapurna Dash, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, India

Paper Information
Conference: ECAH2024
Stream: Humanities - Literature/Literary Studies*

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Posted by James Alexander Gordon