We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Social Realism in Mulk Raj Anand's Untouchable: A Critical Analysis.
- Authors
Kumari, Y. Kusuma
- Abstract
Mulk Raj Anand's Untouchable, beyond all shade of doubt, is one of the most virulent satires on Hinduism and its hypocritical practices. This is nothing but a reflection of the society. The theme of suffering caused by vicious circumstances in life has been realistically depicted, and the heroic struggle of the central figure elevates the novel to the lofty heights of a mini epic. Religious hypocrisy, feudal system, East-West encounter, the place of woman in the society, superstitions, poverty, hunger and exploitation are his common themes. Though the novel depicts single day activities of the protagonist, it also portrays the Indian society from 1930 to 1940 when poverty, slavery and the inhuman exploitation of the masses were at the peak. The theme of suffering caused by vicious circumstances in life has been graphically and realistically depicted, and the heroic struggle of the central figure raises the novel to the classic heights. Anand's first-hand knowledge of the low caste people and their pathetic lives made him voice their misery. He knew thoroughly what he was dealing with. Bakha is not simply an individual outcaste rather he represents the entire outcast community treated as untouchables. The consequences of suppression and humiliation most adversely affect the consciousness of children. Besides the ordeal of poverty and social suffering, children, in unconscious way, construct the psyche of aggression and rebellion.
- Subjects
UNTOUCHABLE (Book : Anand); ANAND, Mulk Raj, 1905-2004; HYPOCRISY in literature; SOCIAL conditions of women; POVERTY &; society
- Publication
Language in India, 2019, Vol 19, Issue 2, p234
- ISSN
1930-2940
- Publication type
Literary Criticism