Page 119 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Unit 14: Aravind Adiga: the White Tiger—An Introduction

14.2 Summary Notes

• The White Tiger is the debut novel by Indian author Aravind Adiga. It was first published in
2008 and won the 40th Man Booker Prize in the same year. The novel provides a darkly
humorous perspective of India’s class struggle in a globalized world as told through a
retrospective narration from Balram Halwai, a village boy. In detailing Balram’s journey first
to Delhi, where he works as a chauffeur to a rich landlord, and then to Bangalore, the place
to which he flees after killing his master and stealing his money, the novel examines issues
of religion, caste, loyalty, corruption and poverty in India. Ultimately, Balram transcends his
sweet-maker caste and becomes a successful entrepreneur, establishing his own taxi service.
In a nation proudly shedding a history of poverty and underdevelopment, he represents, as
he himself says, “tomorrow.”
• The novel has been well-received, making the New York Times bestseller list in addition to
winning the Man Booker Prize. Aravind Adiga, 33 at the time, was the second youngest
writer as well as the fourth debut writer to win the prize in 2008.Adiga says his novel
“attempt[s] to catch the voice of the men you meet as you travel through India — the voice
of the colossal underclass.” According to Adiga, the exigence for The White Tiger was to
capture the unspoken voice of people from “the Darkness” – the impoverished areas of rural
India, and he “wanted to do so without sentimentality or portraying them as mirthless humorless
weaklings as they are usually.” Introducing a major literary talent, “The White Tiger” offers a
story of coruscating wit, blistering suspense, and questionable morality, told by the most
volatile, captivating, and utterly inimitable narrator that this millennium has yet seen.
• The White Tiger’ tells the story of a poor Indian man, namely Balram Halwai, who wishes to
leave the Darkness with its miseries and poverty so he could experience the life of the rich in
the Light. His means of doing so turns out really bad, though. As a kid, Balram is taken out
of school and starts working at an early age. He begins cleaning tables at tea shops, then
works as a driver as well as a servant, and finally ends up being a successful entrepreneur.
The whole novel (including the murder he commits and speaks about from the very first
chapter) is told through letters in which he addresses some Chinese premier who wants to
visit and know more about India.

14.3 Key-Words

1. Assassinations : An assassination is a murder of an individual, who is usually a famous
celebrity, politician, religious figure or royal
2. Transfixing story : Cause (someone) to become motionless with horror, wonder, or
astonishment.

14.4 Review Questions
1. Describe the life and works of Aravind Adiga.
2. Write a short note on the novel the White Tiger.
3. Balram variously describes himself as "a man of action and change," "a thinking man," "an
entrepreneur," "a man who sees tomorrow," and a "murderer." Is any one of these labels the
most fitting, or is he too complex for only one? How would you describe him?
4. Balram blames the culture of servitude in India for the stark contrasts between the Light and
the Darkness and the antiquated mind set that slows change. Discuss his rooster coop analogy
and the role of religion, the political system, and family life in perpetuating this culture. What
do you make of the couplet Balram repeats to himself: "I was looking for the key for years / but
the door was always open"?

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