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Indian Writings in Literature

Notes buffalo in the street blaming him for the deaths of his family. Even after he becomes a businessman
in Bangalore, he goes to the temple to pray for their spirits.
China’s Relationship to India
At the beginning of the novel, Balram mentions to the Premier that China is the only nation he
admires besides Afghanistan and Abyssinia. Why? Because he read in a book called Exciting Tales
of the Exotic East that these are the only 3 countries never to be ruled by outsiders. He dubs China
the “freedom-loving nation,” a place that has never been subject to a master-slave relationship
with the West. But although he hears on All India Radio that “you Chinese are far ahead of us in
every respect,” Balram observes that China does not have entrepreneurs – hence the Premier’s
visit to Bangalore.
China, then, becomes a foil to India, which he describes as a nation with “no drinking water,
electricity, sewage, public transportation …” but chock full of entrepreneurs. For this reason,
Balram tells the Premier his story, believing that China and India are destined to become the next
great superpowers. “In 20 years’ time, it will just be us brown and yellow men at the top of the
pyramid, and we’ll rule the whole world.”
Lightness and Darkness
Perhaps Balram’s favorite motif is the duality of “Light” and “Dark.” From the very beginning, he
attempts to navigate from his hometown in “The Darkness” to become a member of urban society.
Light, then, becomes a multifaceted symbol of time (the future), wealth (lots of it), location
(Bangalore), and obligation (none) – while Darkness represents the past, poverty, rural India – and
most importantly – loyalty to family and master.
These themes battle each other throughout the novel. Even after he has established himself in
Bangalore, he continues to seek ways to differentiate himself from the “Darkness.” When 1 of his
White Tiger drivers runs over a boy, he visits the family and offers their surviving son a job. He
realizes this decision may make him appear weak, but he argues he has no choice. “I can’t live the
way the Wild Boar and the Buffalo and the River lived, and probably still live, back in Laxmangarh.
I am in the Light Now.”
Self Assessment

1. Fill in the blanks:
(i) Balram Halwai, a ............... boy.
(ii) Pinky Madam hits a ............... to Balram's response
(iii) Balram's journey first to Delhi, where he works as a ............... to a rich landlord

17.2 Summary

• The White Tiger takes place in the modern day world where increased technology has led to
world globalization, and India is no exception. In the past decade, India has had one of the fastest
booming economies. Specifically Americanization in India has played its role in the plot, since it
provides an outlet for Balram to alter his caste. To satisfy Pinky’s want for American culture,
Ashok, Pinky, and Balram simply move to Gurgaon instead of back to America.
• Throughout the book, there are references to how Balram is very different from those back in
his home environment. He is referred to as the “white tiger” (which also happens to be the
title of the book). A white tiger symbolizes power and majesty in East Asian cultures, such as

in China and Japan. It is also a symbol for individualism and uniqueness.
• In an interview with Aravind Adiga, he talked about how “The White Tiger” was a book

about a man’s quest for freedom. Balram, the protagonist in the novel, worked his way out

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