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Critical Study of The White Tiger

This dissertation provides a critical study of Aravind Adiga's novel The White Tiger through 5 chapters. It examines the darker aspects of poverty, corruption, lack of education, and the ganga river depicted in the novel. It also analyzes the lighter side of India shown through globalization, economic development, science, technology, and Balram's rise as an entrepreneur. The chapter on the "Rooster Coop" discusses how Balram breaks free of the constraints of the low class society. The conclusion summarizes the previous chapters and identifies other areas for further research in the novel. The dissertation was submitted in partial fulfillment of a Master's degree in English literature.

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ram
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178 views6 pages

Critical Study of The White Tiger

This dissertation provides a critical study of Aravind Adiga's novel The White Tiger through 5 chapters. It examines the darker aspects of poverty, corruption, lack of education, and the ganga river depicted in the novel. It also analyzes the lighter side of India shown through globalization, economic development, science, technology, and Balram's rise as an entrepreneur. The chapter on the "Rooster Coop" discusses how Balram breaks free of the constraints of the low class society. The conclusion summarizes the previous chapters and identifies other areas for further research in the novel. The dissertation was submitted in partial fulfillment of a Master's degree in English literature.

Uploaded by

ram
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Light and Darkness: A Critical Study in Aravind Adiga’s Novel

The White Tiger

Dissertation Submitted to the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University

In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Arts in English

By

Christy Benista V.S

([Link])

Under the guidance of

Mrs. R. Hemalatha., M.A., [Link]., [Link].

Department of English
St. Jude’s College
Thoothoor- 629 176

April – 2016
Mrs. R. Hemalatha., M.A., [Link]., [Link].
Assistant Professor
Department of English
St. Jude’s College.
Thoothoor - 629 176.

Certificate

This is to certify that the dissertation, entitled Light and Darkness: A

Critical Study in Aravind Adiga’s novel The White Tiger is a original work done

by Christy Benista V.S in the Department of English, St. Jude’s College,

Thoothoor, under my supervision and guidance to the Manonmaniam

Sundaranar University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree

of Master of Arts in English. It has not formed the basis for the award of any

degree, diploma, or any other similar title.

Signature of the HOD

Project Guide External Examiner


Christy Benista V.S

[Link]: 1471535

M.A. English,
Department of English & Research Centre,
St. Jude’s College,
Thoothoor - 629 176.

Declaration

I hereby declare that this dissertation, entitled Light and Darkness: A Critical

Study in Aravind Adiga’s novel The White Tiger , submitted to the

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University through the Department of English, St.

Jude’s College, Thoothoor in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

award of the Degree of Master of Arts in English, is a record of research work

done by me under the supervision and guidance of Mrs.R. Hemalatha., M.A.,

[Link]., [Link]., Assistant Professor, St. Jude’s College, Thoothoor and that it has

not formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, or any other similar

title.

(Christy Benita V.S)


Acknowledgement

First I thank the Almighty God for giving me strength, courage,

concentration and determination to complete this project.

I express my sincere thanks to our founder father Rev. Fr. Sylvester

Mories, our secretary Rev. Fr. Lousian Thomas and our Principal Dr. Murphy

Alexander M. Sc., M. Phil., Ph. D who has been kind enough to provide me

with the excellent facilities possible.

I am very thankful to my guide Mrs .[Link]., M.A., [Link]., [Link].,

for rendering her constant and enthusiastic guidance with valuable contribution

and encouragement.

I owe my heartful thanks to Asst. Prof. S. Regin Sam, M.A., [Link]., Head

of the Department and all members of faculty of English, St. Jude’s College,

Thoothoor, for their steady and constant inspiration and counselling that helped

me to complete the dissertation on time.

I express my gratitude to my parent and friends who helped me in many

ways in completing this work.

I express my thanks to Cherenjana Internet for neatly executing this in a

very short time.

Christy Benista .V.S


Contents

Chapters Title Page No.

I Introduction 1 - 10

II Darker side of India 11 - 23

III Lighter side of India 24 - 35

IV Rooster Coop 36 - 44

V Summation 45 - 47

Works Cited 48 - 49
Preface

The dissertation is entitled as “Light and Darkness:A critical study in

Aravind Adiga’s novel The White Tiger has five chapters including introduction and

summation .

The first chapter Introduction provides a general introduction of Indian

Literature . It focuses the author’s literary background and the background of the

novel .

The Second chapter Darker side of India deals with poverty, corruption,

sufferings of low class system people, No education system for the low class boys

and darker side of river ganga.

The Third chapter Lighter side of India deals with the development of

globalization, economy power , science and technology and politics bureaucracy.

Balram enters to light from darkness . He becomes a successful entrepreneurial man

in Bangalore.

The Fourth chapter Rooster coop deals that Balram had broke out the cages of

rooster and enter into the high class society from the low class society .

The last chapter Summation sums up the ideas of the previous chapter and

also identifies some other areas for research in the novel The White Tiger.

Common questions

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"The White Tiger" offers insights into class struggle through Balram's journey, depicting how systemic barriers and caste oppression hinder social mobility. His transformation from a servant to an entrepreneur highlights the immense personal struggles and moral compromises required to break free from his predetermined social role. The novel critiques the injustices inherent in the social hierarchy and reveals the moral conflicts faced by individuals striving for economic independence within a corrupt system .

The Ganges River symbolizes the duality of purity and pollution in "The White Tiger." It epitomizes the 'darker side' of India, representing the entrenched and inescapable poverty and corruption affecting the lower classes. The river, traditionally a symbol of purification and spiritual cleanliness, juxtaposes the filth and decay of the social conditions described in the novel, underscoring the irony of a revered national symbol contrasted with the harsh realities of life for many .

Globalization and technological advancement play significant roles in shaping Balram's aspirations by providing him with new opportunities and perspectives that inspire his ambition to rise above his socio-economic conditions. As he moves to Bangalore, a city symbolizing modern India with its booming tech industry, globalization allows him to see beyond his societal constraints and pursue entrepreneurship, enabling his transition from 'darkness' to 'light' .

The contrast between the 'darker' and 'lighter' sides of India in "The White Tiger" calls attention to the vast inequalities present in Indian society. While the lighter side showcases India's technological and economic advancements, suggesting progress and modernity, the darker side exposes the stark realities of poverty, limited access to resources, and systemic corruption faced by the majority. This dichotomy challenges readers to reconsider the optimistic narratives about India's rise and emphasizes the socio-economic disparities that coexist with progress, affecting their understanding by presenting a multifaceted societal portrait .

Education, or the lack thereof, is central to the systemic inequalities depicted in "The White Tiger." The novel illustrates how limited educational opportunities further entrench poverty and maintain class divisions, restricting upward mobility for lower-class individuals. The lack of access to quality education for the lower classes is highlighted as a significant barrier that perpetuates the cycle of poverty and subordination .

Balram's transformation in "The White Tiger" from a servant to a wealthy entrepreneur is marked by morally complex decisions driven by his desire to escape systemic oppression. His journey illustrates the difficult ethical decisions individuals face when attempting to overcome structural barriers. Balram's actions, such as deceit and murder, highlight the moral ambiguities and personal costs involved in the pursuit of freedom and success. This suggests that systemic oppression often forces individuals into ethically challenging positions, complicating judgments of right and wrong in their quest for autonomy and empowerment .

The novel "The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga explores the theme of light and darkness by contrasting the socioeconomic conditions in India. The 'darker side' refers to poverty, corruption, and the struggles of the lower class who have limited access to education, as depicted through the river Ganges' symbolic representation and the oppressive limitations set by the oppressive system. The 'lighter side' highlights globalization, economic progress, and technological advancement, which are accessible to only a few, illustrating the dichotomy between different societal segments .

"The White Tiger" addresses entrepreneurship as a crucial means of escaping poverty by portraying Balram's journey as he exploits opportunities within a capitalist framework to improve his social and economic status. By pursuing entrepreneurship, he navigates through a rigged system and escapes the limitations of his low-born status, demonstrating that although fraught with moral ambiguity and ethical compromises, entrepreneurship offers a pragmatic avenue for change within a corrupt society .

The Rooster Coop metaphor in "The White Tiger" is used to illustrate systemic oppression in India by depicting how individuals are trapped in a cycle of poverty and subjugation, unable to escape due to deeply entrenched socio-cultural norms and corruption. The metaphor suggests that just as roosters in a coop do not escape because they are held back by each other and their circumstances, so too are the lower class individuals held back by societal constructs and familial duties, making mobility across class lines difficult .

"The White Tiger" portrays corruption as pervasive, impacting both individual and societal levels significantly. On an individual level, Balram navigates a world where success is intricately linked to corrupt practices, influencing his moral decisions and personal growth. Societally, corruption perpetuates inequality, making it nearly impossible for those in lower classes to improve their socioeconomic standing. The novel critically examines how corruption is intertwined with everyday life, affecting governance, law enforcement, and opportunities .

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