Khalani Shabana M.Paper No. 13

Semester 4Year 2014-15

Sybmitted to: MKBU

What is Symbolism?A symbol is anything which signifies something.All words are symbols accordingly.In discussing literature, symbol signifies an object or

event which in its turn signifies something, or has a range of reference, beyond itself. Some symbols are "conventional" or "public": thus "the Cross,” "the Red, White, and Blue," and "the Good Shepherd" are terms that refer to symbolic objects of which the further significance is determinate within a particular culture.

~ M. H. Abrahm,Dictionary of Literary Terms

How Symbolism is projected in The White TigerThere are several symbols

and imagery patterns in Adiga’s “The White Tiger”. It emphasize the huge difference between the Class (the rich and the poor). Adiga projects the real image of Laxmangarh by using symbolism and the darker side of India by shifting center the character of Balram Halwai who murdered his boss Mr. Ashok and he became the entrepreneur.

Symbols used in The White Tiger

Symbols presented in The White Tiger are:

The White TigerRooster Coop,Chandelier,Delhi,Lizard,Black fort

1. The White Tiger

Yang and Yean: According to Chinese Myth Yang and Yean are energies. One signifies Positive while the other falls for The Darker Energy

Man vs. Nature: The white Tiger “the rarest animal in the jungle as Balram is a rare man in his village during school.

A teacher told Balram “The white tiger. That’s what you are in this jungle”

2. The Rooster Coop

All Roosters are trapped in the Coop. When Roosters are together they feel uncomfortable. When one rooster is taken away to slaughter other roosters become happy.

But the roosters in the coop don’t know that their turn is the next one.

3. Chandelier Chandelier is symbol

utilised for ‘light’ in ‘darkness’. It symbolises the richness richness and victorious of life. Balram was a poor man and he became rich after murdering his boss, Mr. Ashok. The Chandelier is full of small diamond-shaped glass pieces.

It shows Balram’s struggle to get out from Poverty

4. DelhiAll roads look similar in

Delhi. People keep getting lost in Delhi.

It symbolises Rich vs. Poor in the novel. People live on Road side, under large bridges and these homeless people are a particular problem for drivers and people drive precious cars in Delhi.

Symbols of Problem of Environmental, Social, Cultural, Political and Moral drawbacks.

5. LizardIntroduced in the opening

chapter lizard symbolizes the darkness, phobia and fear.

Lizards are the predators which scurvies on smaller insects and moths.

Lizards are afraid of light so it signifies their love for darkness.

Balram’s actions are similar to lizards because he murders his own boss which is a darker act.

6. Black fortThe Black Fort is the

architectural centerpiece of Balram's village.

It stands on the crest of a hill overlooking the village.

The Black Fort is a symbol of the extreme poverty that Balram is in his village Laxmangarh.

The Black Fort emphasizes how desperate Balram feels.

Thank You

“The doors were always open but we were searching for the key.”