Self-Degrading Genius: A Comparative Socio Cultural Analysis of “Andrea Del Sarto” and Devdas - Sadia Afrin

Self-Degrading Genius: A Comparative Socio Cultural Analysis of “Andrea Del Sarto” and Devdas Sadia Afrin Undergraduate Student, Department of English, City University Email: sadiaafrinprapty38@gmail.com & Dr. Rahman M. Mahbub Professor, Department of English City University, Bangladesh Abstract: This study explores the theme of self-degradation in two literary figures, Andrea Del Sarto, a Renaissance painter from Robert Browning’s poem, and Devdas, the tragic protagonist of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel. Both characters, despite their genius, succumb to societal pressures that lead to their downfall. The research addresses the gap in comparative analysis of Western and Eastern cultural influences on self-degradation by examining how Andrea Del Sarto’s artistic potential is stifled by the patronage system and societal mediocrity, while Devdas is crushed by colonial India’s rigid class structures and patriarchal norms. The study employs a contextual analysis of the socio cultural settings that shape the destinies of both characters and emphasizes how both characters embody broader critiques of the social and cultural forces that suppress genius, highlighting the struggle between personal potential and external limitations. The novelty of this study lies in its cross-cultural approach, which juxtaposes Western and Eastern narratives to illustrate the universality of this struggle. Ultimately, the research offers new insights into the socio-cultural dynamics that entrap and limit individuals with extraordinary potential, underscoring the timeless nature of these conflicts. Keywords: self-degradation, socio-cultural context, genius, Andrea Del Sarto, Devdas