Page 144 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Indian Writings in Literature

Notes because he is the cleverest child in Laxmangarh. Because of debts at the landowner "Stork "Balram’s
family takes him out of school to earn money in the tea house. His further education he gets by
eavesdropping conversations of the tea house guests. After the death of his parents his grandmother
Kusum decides about his future. As he wants to become a driver Kusum pays his introduction in
condition that Balram supports his family when he is a driver. Against all expectations he gets a
job as driver and servant at the "Storks" house. In the eyes of "Mr. Ashok" his young master he is
the perfect servant. Balram identifies with his master and he's really fortunate to have a boss like
that. He worries about him and his image: "On Mr. Ashok's privacy I allowed no one to infringe".
Furthermore he stops chewing paan because Pinky Madam points out that his teeth were disgusting.
More and more he starts casting off his role as a local jerk. When he is forced to take his responsibility
for an accident caused by Pinky Madam he begins to mistrust and to doubt the loyalty of his
master.
There are early signs for the murder of Mr. Ashok. First he can't overcome his thoughts to murder
his good-natured master but at the end it's a cold-blooded and well planned deed. Therefore he
risks his families well-being but he doesn't feel responsible for them anymore. After Balram's
flight he founds a driver company with the stolen money of Mr. Ashok. This underlines his spirit,
shrewdness and intelligence. When one of his drivers caused an accident he behaves loyal and
supports his driver. His action shows the difference between him and Mr. Ashok during an
accident. While Mr. Ashok wallows in self-pity Balram feels sorry for his driver and the victim.
The positive features of Balram aren't curious because he is the narrator of the story. Balram
presents himself as an above-average and smart boy who grows with his experiences and changed
from a naive, poor child to a hardened, rich metropolitan. He looks with a cynical attitude, a moral
indignation at the conditions in India and at his own life. But at the end Balram is a lonely people.
He is lonely because of his living condition. But he is also lonely because he is dissociated from his
comrades. He even keeps his nephews away from himself. Between them stands the deed which
changed everything: "One day, I know, Dharam, this boy who is drinking my milk and eating my
ice cream in big bowls, will ask me….And then I'll have to come up with an answer- or kill him,
I suppose."
His master's murder will follow Balram every time. Even if he hopes to find the way back in
community.
Balram's family
The family of Balram is poor but very traditional. Men and woman sleep in different corners of
their house and all members of the family adore and carry for the water buffalo, which is fed by
the woman still before they make the meal for their husbands. The water buffalo is a fat, glossy
skinned creature and gets top priority. Every member of the family works hard for the well-being
of their relatives.
Vikram Halwai
Vikram Halwai is the father of Kishan and his younger brother Balram who is the first person
narrator.
Vikram is a poor man nevertheless he is a man of honour and courage.
He earns money for his family as a rickshaw-puller in Laxmangarh. Laymangarh is a little village
in northern India.
Also he is a patient and quite person. He never crouched while waiting for passengers. He only
stands there alone, drinking tea and thinking.
Vikram Halwai is a man who has a plan. His son Balram is his plan. For him it is very important
that his son Balram goes to school. That is why he doesn't accept that Balram works in the tea
shop. His son should be able to read and to write for having a better future.
Certainly he doesn't feel happy about the fact that his son is afraid of a lizard but he is a thoughtful
father and so he goes with his son to school and kills the lizard. "My whole life, I have been treated
like a donkey. All I want is that one son of mine - at least one - should live like a man." His whole

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