Dark Room - R.K. Narayan
R.K. Narayan is a leading Indian writer. His novel "The Dark Room" is published in the year 1938. This novel talks about the life of a timid, submissive, sacrificial and suffering woman Savitri. She is the mother for two daughters (Sumathi and Kamala) and one son (Babu).
She is scorned and abused by her bossy husband Ramani.
Ramani works for the Engladia Insurance Company, Malgudi. He is very domineering and cynical in his ways. He is a irritable person. He keeps his house gloomy and his wife, Savitri, his children and servants in a state of terror.
Savitri is a true symbol of traditional Indian woman. She is very beautiful and remains silent. She is deeply devoted to her husband. In the 15yrs of their married life, Savitri has received only abuses and rebukes. Ramani treats his kids in a bossy manner.
Savitri often feels hurt and dejected and she puts herself in a dark room. She pacifies her sorrow in the darkness of that room. Savitri has two intimate friends Gangu and Janamma. She admires the character of Gangu. Gangu is a school teacher and she is a liberated woman. Her husband has provided her with full liberty, to express her talent and happiness.
Shanta bai, an attractive and rebellious woman is hired by Ramani as an insurance probationer in his company. She is the only woman employee in Ramani’s company. She excels in her work and beauteous charms. The beauty of Shanta Bai kindles the heart of Ramani.
Savitri comes to know about the relationship of Ramani with Shanta. She fights with her husband, but Ramani pays her no heed.She wants to take the kids along, but Ramani stops her harshly. “Don't touch them or talk to them. Go yourself, if you want. They are my children," he shouts.She feels frustrated with her life of dependence, and attempts to commit suicide by drowning into a river. She is saved by Mari. She gets the support of Mari and his wife ponni. Savitri works in a temple. Later she realises the fact that it is not easy to change her circumstances and comes back to protect her children.
The story entails the tale of a tormented wife. The Dark Room is a superb examination of a patriarchal society and also reflects the injustices that this type of society causes to woman and children. This is regarded as an impressive as well as controlled novel, which eventually moves and hits the society.
Comments
Post a Comment