Reading Interactive Fiction Samsara

Abstract

 In the third decade of the 21st century, literature is evolving alongside digital and technological advancements. The realm of Electronic Literature (E-Lit) and its subgenres, such as Interactive Fiction (IF), exemplify this transformation by merging storytelling with interactivity and multimedia. This paper explores Meghna Jayanth's Samsara, a culturally rich work of Indian Interactive Fiction hosted on the StoryNexus platform. Set in 18th-century Bengal, Samsara bridges traditional storytelling with modern digital innovation, reflecting themes of karma, dharma, and existential balance. The study examines the narrative techniques employed in the work, such as nonlinear storytelling and the use of Lexia, alongside challenges like accessibility and cultural specificity. By contextualizing Samsara within the broader landscape of E-Lit, this paper highlights its potential to enrich the literary experience, serving as a bridge between cultural heritage and digital storytelling. Additionally, it provides methodologies for analyzing interactive fiction within the Indian context, contributing to the academic discourse on this emerging genre.