___________________________________________________________________ 1 The Role of Infidelity in the Breakdown of Marriages in 498A: Fears and Dreams

This research paper explores the complex representation of adultery and its
connection to marital dissolution in the book 498A: Fears and Dreams. The novel
vividly explores the middle-class couple Jatin and Tanvi, whose goals and wants are
hampered by the difficulties of contemporary relationships and societal expectations.
Through their turbulent journey, the author highlights the widespread problem of
infidelity and its detrimental effects on the stability of marriages and the well-being
of individuals.
The first part of the research looks at the characters' backgrounds, emphasizing how
growing up in a low-income setting impacts their vulnerabilities and life goals.
Unfulfilled aspirations and ethical quandaries abound in Jatin and Tanvi’s marriage
as they pursue better lives. Throughout, adultery is deftly woven into the story, in
which a ceaseless chase of financial achievement at the expense of interpersonal
relationships, emotional neglect, and a lack of communication are a few of these. The
study also looks at the connections between infidelity. It presents it as a sign of more
severe problems in the marriage rather than just an act of treachery—and other issues
like gender roles, power relationships, and social influences. The extramarital
activities of Jatin and Tanvi are portrayed in the novel as both a cause and a result of
their failing marriage. The characters seek recognition, an escape from marital
discontent, and a sense of control over their life through these interactions. However,
in the end, these liaisons deepen their sense of loneliness and hopelessness, which
further erodes their intimacy and trust. The novel portrays a broader social
environment where adultery is both taboo and tacitly acceptable, a reflection of the
conflicting views that contemporary society has regarding marriage and faithfulness.
This backdrop is also covered in the paper. Sharma shows how common infidelity is
and how it is accepted in some social circles through supporting characters and
subplots, all the while emphasizing the moral and psychological fallout for those who
are involved. This paper attempts to thoroughly analyze how adultery contributes to
marriage dissolution in 498A: Fears and Dreams through a critical analysis of
important scenes and character interactions. The study offers a comprehensive
investigation of the elements contributing to marital infidelity and its effects by using insights from sociological and psychological theories