Rohinton Mistry is a renowned Indian born Canadian writer. He authored several short stories and novels. 'A Fine Balance' is his second and most famous novel. This novel was selected for Oprah's Book Club and short listed for the 1996 Booker prize. The story of the novel is set in an 'unidentified city' in India to be easily identified as Mumbai. It begins with a Prologue in 1975 and ends with an Epilogue 1984, in between the dramatic sea change in the Indian political scenario that resulted in the change of fate of a common man in the country. The abuse of power becomes an influential factor in the lives of the common people. The illogical but traditional power in the hands of high caste Hindus in rural India, the unreasonable and unethical power of male in Indian families and the unannounced power of self begodded politicians disfigured the Indian society. This very subject is the central theme of Mistry's novel.
The novel revolves around four characters from varied backgrounds - Dina Dalal, Ishvar Darji, his nephew Omprakash Darji and the young student Maneck Kohlah. These …show more content…
It may not appear strange to those who have witnessed the realistic picture of the Indian society which has had its roots in caste system. A section of the society has been under needless suppression for generations. The unquestionable authority of the upper caste Hindus has made the mindset of the lower caste Hindus. This became the reason for the inevitable low self esteem among the oppressed. The lower caste Hindus spent their 'life in obedient compliance with the traditions of the caste system.' It's no wonder that their 'occupation has been pre-ordained for their present incarnation.' ( Mistry) Profession goes with caste in the Indian society. When a lower caste Hindu goes against the tradition, it is, no doubt, an act beyond their imagination. As is evident from the following lines from the novel that the people belonging to lower caste fear 'crossing the
The novel revolves around four characters from varied backgrounds - Dina Dalal, Ishvar Darji, his nephew Omprakash Darji and the young student Maneck Kohlah. These …show more content…
It may not appear strange to those who have witnessed the realistic picture of the Indian society which has had its roots in caste system. A section of the society has been under needless suppression for generations. The unquestionable authority of the upper caste Hindus has made the mindset of the lower caste Hindus. This became the reason for the inevitable low self esteem among the oppressed. The lower caste Hindus spent their 'life in obedient compliance with the traditions of the caste system.' It's no wonder that their 'occupation has been pre-ordained for their present incarnation.' ( Mistry) Profession goes with caste in the Indian society. When a lower caste Hindu goes against the tradition, it is, no doubt, an act beyond their imagination. As is evident from the following lines from the novel that the people belonging to lower caste fear 'crossing the