Adolescence and Crime: A Socio-cultural Analysis of Vish Dhamija’s Unlawful Justice and John Grisham’s The Boys from Biloxi

Abstract

Cultural Studies covers the interdisciplinary fields of the social structures concerning race, class, gender, ideology, nationality, and ethnicity. Literature is strongly connected with this as it is a reflection of life. People belonging to different countries give importance to their own culture. The British - Indian writer Vish Dhamija, known for his legal thrillers and crime fiction portrays the life of young Maheep Singh, caught for his criminal activities and brought before the law in his legal thriller fiction, Unlawful Justice (2017). John Grisham, one of the best-selling American authors is famous for his legal thrillers. His legal thriller fiction, The Boys from Biloxi (2022), focuses on the lives of two immigrant families and their sons, Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco. They grow up as friends, but destiny separates them. As the adolescent crimes are increasing day by day, it is mandatory to create an awareness regarding that. The crime can be caused intentionally and unintentionally, situational flaws are sometimes acceptable but getting aware of it will be relevant to overcome or avoid such situations. The present article analyses the American and Indian cultures and the crime in the of the adolescent boys through a socio cultural perspective. As the country, cultures and punishments may differ but crime is common throughout the world. Furthermore, this paper not only focuses on Indian and American culture besides the life of adolescent boys and parental responsibility.