"The White Tiger": Analysis of The Use of Animal Imagery as a Social Commentary

Aravind Adiga's novel, "The White Tiger," is a literary masterpiece that offers a searing critique of India's deeply entrenched social and political conditions. Through the lens of animal imagery, Adiga crafts a narrative that exposes the corruption, oppression, and inequality that pervade Indian society. This essay delves deeper into Adiga's masterful use of animal symbolism to illuminate the flaws in India's social and political landscape, exploring the nuances and implications of this literary technique.

Background

Before delving into the intricacies of animal imagery in "The White Tiger," it is essential to provide some background on the novel. Published in 2008, the book tells the story of Balram Halwai, a lower-caste individual from a rural background who rises from a life of poverty and servitude to become an entrepreneur. Balram's journey serves as a vehicle for Adiga to explore the stark disparities and injustices inherent in Indian society, particularly the divide between the wealthy elite and the marginalized.

The narrative is framed as a series of letters written by Balram to the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who is scheduled to visit India. Through these letters, Balram recounts his life story, revealing the underbelly of Indian society and his transformation into a "white tiger"—a rare and exceptional individual who dares to break free from the constraints of the Rooster Coop, a metaphorical representation of the oppressive social hierarchy.

Animal Imagery in "The White Tiger"

The Rooster Coop: Entrapment and Oppression

One of the central metaphors in "The White Tiger" is the Rooster Coop, a concept Balram uses to describe the entrapment of the lower classes in India. Balram compares the lower classes to caged roosters awaiting slaughter, drawing a parallel between the physical confinement of roosters and the societal constraints that limit the opportunities and aspirations of the poor and marginalized.

In the Rooster Coop, individuals are conditioned to accept their subservient roles and dare not challenge the status quo. This metaphor emphasizes the systemic nature of oppression in India, where the privileged classes and corrupt political system collaborate to maintain the subjugation of the masses. Balram's narrative reflects the harsh reality that many face, unable to escape the metaphorical cage of poverty and exploitation.

The Mongoose: Cunning and Survival

Within the novel, Balram adopts the identity of a mongoose, a small yet cunning predator known for its ability to outsmart and defeat larger, more formidable foes. This choice of symbolism underscores Balram's journey from a subservient chauffeur to an independent entrepreneur. He sees himself as a mongoose, surviving in a society teeming with cobras—representing the corrupt and powerful elite.

Balram's transformation into a "white tiger" is emblematic of the potential for change, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The mongoose symbolizes resilience and resourcefulness, qualities that enable Balram to navigate the treacherous waters of Indian society and carve out a path for himself beyond the confines of servitude.

The Buffalo: Symbol of Exploitation

Another evocative instance of animal imagery in "The White Tiger" is the portrayal of the lower classes as buffalo. Balram describes how the poor, especially those in rural areas, resemble domesticated buffalo, laboring tirelessly in the fields and bearing the burdens imposed by the upper classes. The buffalo's strength is harnessed for the benefit of others, mirroring the exploitation of the lower classes by the wealthy elite.

This metaphor highlights the stark economic disparities and labor exploitation that persist in India. Balram's observation serves as a poignant critique of the dehumanizing conditions faced by the marginalized, their relegation to a life of servitude, and the economic disparities that perpetuate their exploitation.

The Stork: Representation of Corruption

In "The White Tiger," the stork serves as a symbol of corruption and greed within India's political system. Balram draws an analogy between politicians, like storks, and predatory creatures that feed on the unsuspecting fish, representing the general population. The stork, in this context, underscores the parasitic nature of political corruption, where those in power enrich themselves at the expense of the masses.

This imagery accentuates the pervasive corruption and nepotism that plague India's political landscape. Adiga's portrayal of the stork serves as a scathing commentary on the moral decay of those entrusted with the responsibility of governance, highlighting the disillusionment and despair experienced by those they are meant to serve.

Conclusion

In "The White Tiger," Aravind Adiga masterfully employs animal imagery to provide a critical commentary on the social and political conditions in India. Through metaphors like the Rooster Coop, mongoose, buffalo, and stork, Adiga exposes the harsh realities of inequality, exploitation, and corruption that persist in Indian society.

By using animal symbolism, Adiga offers a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the flaws and complexities of India's social and political landscape. "The White Tiger" serves as both a gripping story and a compelling indictment of the status quo, prompting readers to reexamine their understanding of contemporary India and its myriad challenges. Through the lens of animal imagery, Adiga's novel invites us to question the entrenched inequalities and systemic injustices that persist, challenging us to envision a more just and equitable future.

References

1. Adiga, A. (2008). The White Tiger. Free Press.
2. Alvi, S. S., & Ahmad, M. (2014). Roosters in a Cage: Balram Halwai as a Representative Character in Aravind Adiga's 'The White Tiger.' Research Journal of English Language and Literature, 2(3), 228-234.
3. Prasad, R. (2013). Postmodern Indian English Fiction: A Study of Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger. The Criterion: An International Journal in English, 4(5), 1-6.
4. Sen, S. (2011). Balram Halwai's Journey from Darkness to Light: A Study of Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger. International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature, 1(1), 58-64.
5. Gupta, M. (2015). 'White Tiger' in Adiga's Novel as a Subaltern: A Study. International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities, 3(6), 229-236.
6. Anand, R. K. (2014). India's Rooster Coop: Unraveling the Truth behind Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger. Language in India, 14(11), 59-73.
7. Shankar, S. (2010). Animal Imagery in Indian Literature with Special Reference to Aravind Adiga's 'The White Tiger'. The IUP Journal of English Studies, 5(1), 48-58.