The White Tiger
By Aravind Adiga
A Brief Re-Cap
The protagonist is born in Laxmangarh as an untouchable. He grew up with a controlling grandmother and a father who worked his life away for him to attend school, in hopes that he will become successful in the future. The protagonist then decides that he wants a better life than his slum life and moves to Delhi, India to become a "driver" for a man named Mr. Ashok. After a few obstacles and struggles as a servant, he finally makes a leap of faith to better his future. He finally ends up in Bangalore as a successful taxi manager for his own company.
Main Characters
Balram Halwai (White Tiger/ Munna) - the protagonist, later takes the name after his master "Ashok Sharma," courageous
Mr. Ashok - Balram's master, a diplomatic man who believes in a better and democratic India
Pinky Madam - Ashok's wife, leaves him for America, represents the stereotypical America - hypocritical yet sympathetic
Kusum - Balram's grandmother, controlling, overpowering
Kishan - Balram's brother, just like father, lets Kusum manipulate his life
Ram Persad - secretly muslim, Ashok's first driver, exposed by Balram, kicked out, poor role model
Dharam - Balram's nephew, grows up wealthy and smart, raised like-a-son, acts just like Balram- sly
Literary Elements
Buffalo
"At the doorway to my house, you'll see the most important member of my family. The water buffalo. She was the fattest thing in our family; this was true in every house in the village" (Adiga 17).
Light
"Please understand, Your Excellency, that India is two countries in one: an India of Light, and an India of Darkness"
(Adiga 14).
(Adiga 14).
Darkness
"I've made it! I've broken out of the coop! ... I've given myself away" (Adiga 295).
Themes and Purposes
- PERSEVERANCE
- from Darkness to Light
- Rags to Riches
- willing to take risks'
- EXPOSURE
- culture/tradition
- corruption
Sources and References
(APA)