Page 159 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Unit 19: Aravind Adiga: The White Tiger—Critical Appreciation

8. Discuss Balram's reasons for the murder: fulfilling his father's wish that his son "live like a Notes
man," taking back what Ashok had stolen from him, and breaking out of the rooster coop,
among them. Which ring true to you and which do not? Did you feel Balram was justified in
killing Ashok? Discuss the paradox inherent in the fact that in order to live fully as a man,
Balram took a man's life.
9. Balram's thoughts of his family initially hold him back from killing Ashok. What changes his
mind? Why do you think he goes back to retrieve Dharam at the end of the novel? Does his
decision absolve him in any way?

Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i)(b) (ii)(a) (iii)(c)

19.5 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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