Page 141 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Unit 17: Aravind Adiga: The White Tiger—Theme

of his low social caste (often referred to as “the Darkness”) and overcame the social obstacles Notes
that limited his family in the past.
• Balram is from a low caste in India where he grew up with barely anything. As a child,
Balram was seen as an intelligent and honest fellow in a crowd of thugs. He was a pure soul
and was untainted.
• The book shows a modern day, capitalist Indian society with free market and free business.
It also shows how it can create economic division. In India there are not social classes, there
are social castes. The novel portrays India’s society as very negative towards the lower social
caste. Balram refers to it as the “Darkness”.
• Marriage plays a key role in Indian society as well as the novel. When Balram’s cousin
becomes engaged, his family “gets screwed” with a large dowry they cannot afford.
• 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.

17.3 Key-Words

1. Retrospective : Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations
2. Wrapped up : Deeply devoted to; "bound up in her teaching"; "is wrapped up in his family

17.4 Review Questions

1. The novel offers a window into the rapidly changing economic situation in India. What do we
learn about entrepreneurship and Balram's definition of it?
2. The novel reveals an India that is as unforgiving as it is promising. Do you think of the novel,
ultimately, as a cautionary tale or a hopeful one?
3. Discuss the themes of the Novel The White Tiger.
Answers: Self-Assessment

1. (i) Village (ii) Child
(iii) Chauffeur

17.5 Further Readings

1. Aravind Adiga, 2008. The White Tiger. New Delhi. Harper Collins, Publishers
India.
2. V.S. Naipaul, 1964. An Area of Darkness. London. Andre Deutsch.
3. V.S. Naipaul, 1990. Million Mutinies Now. London. Minerva Paperback.
4. 2008. Articles from The Hindu Delhi, Literary Review, Nov 2.
5. 2008. Articles from The New Indian Express, Sunday, 9 November.

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