Balram Figure as a Reflection of His Environment in The White Tiger

Introduction

Aravind Adiga's novel "The White Tiger" is a compelling exploration of the stark socio-economic disparities and moral complexities that define contemporary India. Through the lens of its protagonist, Balram Halwai, the novel delves into the harsh realities faced by those born into poverty and servitude, juxtaposing their struggles against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing and corrupt society. Adiga's narrative is a thought-provoking commentary on the price of ambition, the clash between tradition and progress, and the moral compromises that individuals are often compelled to make in their pursuit of a better life.

As we delve into Balram's journey, we are confronted with questions about morality, agency, and the price of freedom. How does one maintain their moral compass when confronted with a society that often rewards ruthlessness and corruption? Can an individual break free from the cycle of poverty and oppression without compromising their ethics? "The White Tiger" challenges readers to grapple with these ethical dilemmas while navigating the intricacies of Balram's transformation.

This essay aims to dissect the various facets of Balram's evolution, from his initial innocence to his ultimate moral corruption, while also examining the changing dynamics of his relationship with Ashok, his employer. Furthermore, it will explore how the societal divisions within India, represented by "The Darkness" and "The Light," play a pivotal role in shaping Balram's character and actions.

Balram's Transformation

Balram, initially known as "Munna," starts as a kind-hearted boy in the impoverished region of "The Darkness." He is born into a lower-caste family and is expected to be submissive to the will of his family. His initial job at a teashop reflects his lack of agency and economic dependence. However, as he becomes a driver, he realizes that his family seeks to exploit him for their gain, leading to his first act of malice by blackmailing the number one driver to secure his position.

As Balram's ruthlessness increases, so does his sense of individuality and freedom. He begins to value these qualities more than traditional morality. To him, freedom is worth dying for, and he believes it is also worth killing for. Balram is not inherently evil; rather, his actions are a response to the oppressive environment he finds himself in.

"The more ruthless he becomes, the stronger his sense of himself as a person becomes, a person that was raised like an animal, made to provide dumbly until he died unceremoniously. Balram needs ruthlessness. Balram values individuality and freedom more than he does morality."

His ultimate transformation into "The White Tiger" occurs when he murders his employer, Ashok Sharma. This act symbolizes his liberation from the darkness that has shackled him throughout his life. Balram's journey is marked by a shift from innocence to ruthless pragmatism, driven by the harsh circumstances of his existence.

The Changing Relationship with Ashok

Balram's relationship with Ashok undergoes a significant evolution throughout the novel. Initially, he admires Ashok and sees him as a good man. This admiration prevents him from cheating Ashok in the beginning. However, their relationship sours when Ashok forces Balram to take the blame for a traffic accident, betraying Balram's trust and leading to a sense of betrayal and exploitation.

"This devastates him, feeling betrayed and used."

As Ashok's behavior deteriorates after Pinky Madam's departure, Balram becomes disillusioned with him. He observes Ashok's descent into corruption, engaging in various vices such as infidelity and gluttony. Balram's loss of respect for Ashok ironically drives him to emulate his employer's behavior, engaging in theft and dishonesty.

"Balram becomes disillusioned with Ashok because of this, losing all respect for him."

The idea of stealing the red bag containing 700,000 rupees emerges as a symbol of wealth and freedom. Balram's decision to kill Ashok and take the money signifies his final step into "The Light." Previously a mere servant, Balram's environment forced him to take drastic measures to escape his circumstances.

"The red of the bag symbolizes the blood-stained wealth he will obtain. He sees what he may gain by killing Ashok, freedom."

Societal Divisions in India

The division between "The Darkness" and "The Light" in the novel mirrors the geographical and societal divisions in India. "The Light" represents the affluent urban areas like Bangalore, characterized by rapid development and wealth. In contrast, "The Darkness" symbolizes rural and impoverished regions, particularly along the Ganga River.

"The Light radiates from the fast-paced social energy and massive wealth of new industries, such as Balram's own business which boasts 'sixteen drivers… with twenty-six vehicles'."

This division illustrates how progress and innovation in modern India are intertwined with corruption, which Balram absorbs as he ventures into "The Light." The metaphor of the "Rooster Coop" portrays the sense of helplessness experienced by India's poor population, who watch each other suffer but remain trapped in the cycle of oppression.

"Similarly, India’s poor people see one another crushed by the wealthy and powerful, defeated by the staggering inequality of Indian society, but are unable to escape the same fate."

Despite the moral compromises Balram makes on his journey, he views his transformation as an "amazing success story" in a relentless India where "a few hundred thousand rupees of someone else’s money, and a lot of hard work, can make magic happen." This illustrates the paradox of "The Darkness" and "The Light" - to thrive in the latter, one must often darken their heart.

"Such is the relentless India that Adiga illustrates, conveying the irony in the Darkness and The Light, as to be in The Light, one must darken their heart."

Conclusion

In "The White Tiger," Aravind Adiga masterfully portrays Balram's transformation from innocence to moral corruption in the backdrop of India's societal divisions. Balram's journey is emblematic of the harsh realities faced by many in India, where the pursuit of freedom and success often requires moral compromises.

The novel's vivid depiction of "The Darkness" and "The Light" serves as a powerful metaphor for the stark divisions in Indian society. Balram's evolution into "The White Tiger" is a reflection of the compromises individuals are forced to make to survive and succeed in a society marked by inequality and corruption.

Through Balram's character, Adiga invites readers to contemplate the ethical complexities of such a world and raises questions about the price of progress and the morality of survival.

As we delve into the depths of Balram's transformation, we are reminded that sometimes, to escape the darkness, one must become the very beast that lurks within it.