'Home and the World' by Rabindranath Tagore

Hy readers! This blog is a part of a thinking activity assigned by Megha ma'am from The English Department, MKBU, Bhavnagar. In this blog I am going to write about the novel ‘Home and the World' written by Rabindranath Tagore. 

About Author:

Rabindranath Tagore, a polymath of exceptional abilities, made significant contributions to literature and the arts, playing a pivotal role in India's cultural and national movements. He was recognized as an emblematic figure during the Indian cultural renaissance. Rabindranath Tagore became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali. He was called Gurudev, Kabiguru, and Biswakabi affectionately and his songs are popularly known as Rabindrasangeet.

Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7th May 1861 in Calcutta as the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. He belonged to a distinguished Bengali Brahmin family and was the youngest of thirteen children. Tagore engaged in the Indian nationalist movement periodically, but his involvement was characterized by a non-sentimental and visionary approach. Gandhi, the political architect of modern India, was a close and devoted friend to Tagore. Consequently, Tagore earned recognition as one of the contributors to the shaping of modern India. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, wrote in Discovery of India, “Tagore and Gandhi have undoubtedly been the two outstanding and dominating figures in the first half of the twentieth century. Tagore’s influence over the mind of India, and especially of successive rising generations has been tremendous. Not Bengali only, the language in which he wrote, but all the modern languages of India have been molded partly by his writings. More than any other Indian, he has helped to bring into harmony the ideals of the East and the West, and broadened the bases of Indian nationalism.”

Rabindranath Tagore was only eight years old when he first wrote a poem. By sixteen, his short story titled "Bhanusimha" was already published. Tagore's impact on literature is immeasurable. He was the one who had introduced new verses and prose and also lingua franca in his mother tongue, which is Bangla. Tagore published several books of poems and short stories, plays, and songs. His most renowned work, called “Gitanjali”, was very well received all over India and England. He is the author of two National Anthems, which are “Amar Sonar Bangla” for Bangladesh and “Jana Gana Mana” for India. He worked with very unfamiliar and different styles in Bangla Language. Some of them are heavily immersed in social and political satire. He was one of those who believed in global peace and equality. He is one of the pioneers of contemporary Bengali literature. 

Notable Works :

• Gitanjali
• The Home and the World 
• The Postmaster
• Chitrangada
• Raktakarabi
• Sadhana
• Shesher Kobita
• Gora
• Chokher Bali
• Kabuliwala

About Novel:

Tagore's book "The Home and the World," written in 1916 and translated in 1919 by Surendranath Tagore was the seventh in the chronological order, and evidenced the maturity of the middle-aged writer in its subtle handling of certain controversial themes and an innovative narrational mode. At the same time, it carries on some of Tagore’s major preoccupations and convictions. Novel deals with controversial themes and introduces a new narrative style, reflecting Tagore's ongoing commitment to values like truth, freedom, and individual dignity, consistent themes in his creative and critical works.

Rabindranath Tagore’s The Home and the World is usually read in terms of an allegory, either on the historical event of partition of Bengal in 1905 or on the nationalist worship of Mother India around the turn of the twentieth century. The novel The Home and the World focuses on the narrative of three different characters: Nikhil, a wealthy landlord, Bimala, Nikhil’s wife, and Sandip, a radical nationalist leader. At the beginning of the novel, the story is told from Bimala’s point of view. In the novel, we can see that the narration is given alternately by those three main characters. This novel tells about how Bimala and Nikhil have so many different views of gender, relationship between husband and wife, education, freedom, and national identities. The conflict between this couple emerges after the arrival of Sandip. Bimala is impressed by his charisma and supports his view on nationalism and the swadeshi movement. 

The Home and the World is pivotal in Tagore's rejection of mass action as a force destructive to freedom and individuality. As well, the novel clearly anticipates his eventual rejection of nationalism as a frightening expression of this mass action. The novel focuses on three characters, each of whom speaks in the first-person in recounting how they interact with one another. Nikhil is Bimala's husband; Sandip is Bimala's would-be lover. Nikhil epitomizes the unselfish, progressive husband who wishes to free his wife from the oppressiveness of a traditional Indian marriage. In contrast, Sandip is a man who thinks only of himself, and who reduces man-woman relationships to brazen sexuality; he is interested in blunt things, bluntly put, without any finicking niceness. Bimala is represented as an innocent who, at least initially, is completely subservient to her husband. But Bimala is also much more than this. She is referred to as Durga, the female goddess of creation and destruction, and as Shakli, the ultimate female principle underpinning reality. In being so described, she represents the beauty, vitality, and glory of Bengal. 

Characters:

Bimala:

Bimala, the protagonist of Rabindranath Tagore's novel "Home and the World," is a complex and captivating character who undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Initially portrayed as a demure and submissive housewife, Bimala's character is gradually awakened by her interactions with two men: her husband, Nikhilesh, and the charismatic revolutionary Sandip. Bimala's character symbolizes the complexities of personal identity and the struggle for agency within a changing society.

Nikhil:

Nikhil is Bimala’s husband and a wealthy merchant with progressive views. For much of the novel, he feels he is losing Bimala’s respect. An enlightened zamindar, he champions cultural exchange, nonviolence, and peaceful coexistence. His character epitomizes the notion of individual liberty within a framework of societal harmony. He serves as a counterpoint to the fervent nationalism embodied by Sandip.

Sandip:

Sandip is a revolutionary who feels permitted to use others and forego moral constraints in the name of his ideals. Sandip is a charismatic nationalist leader whose fiery speeches and fervent patriotism captivate Bimala. He represents the more radical and divisive form of nationalism. Sandip's character highlights the dangers of unchecked fanaticism and the allure of charismatic leaders who manipulate individuals for their own agendas.

Critical analysis:

Two Ways of Thinking About Nationalism: Moderation and Revolution

Rabindranath Tagore's novel, ‘Home and the World,’ delves into the complex interplay between nationalism and individual freedom, presenting a multifaceted portrayal of these interwoven concepts. The novel introduces two distinct perspectives on nationalism, represented by the characters of Nikhil and Sandip.

Nikhil, a progressive and thoughtful individual, embodies a moderate form of nationalism, emphasizing harmony and understanding within the broader context of India's freedom struggle. He advocates for a path of non-violence and ethical conduct, believing that true liberation for India lies in fostering a just and inclusive society.

Sandip, on the other hand, represents a more radical and divisive form of nationalism. Driven by a fiery passion for revolution, he prioritizes immediate action and disregards the potential consequences of his actions. His fervent nationalism often clashes with the values of moderation and peaceful coexistence upheld by Nikhil.

Role of Women: 

Tagore's novel also explores the transformative journey of Bimala, a woman who breaks free from the constraints of a patriarchal society. Initially portrayed as a submissive housewife, Bimala embarks on a path of self-discovery and empowerment as she interacts with the charismatic revolutionary Sandip. Bimala's awakening mirrors the broader struggle for women's agency and equality in a traditional milieu. Her interactions with Sandip awaken her dormant spirit, stirring her desire for independence and self-expression. However, she also grapples with the complexities of navigating societal expectations and asserting her individuality amidst patriarchal norms.

A Clash of Values:

The novel presents a compelling clash of values, represented by the stark contrast between Nikhil's unwavering commitment to non-violence and ethical conduct and Sandip's aggressive, revolutionary fervor. This conflict mirrors the moral dilemmas individuals face in times of political turmoil and personal transformation. Nikhil's pacifism and emphasis on non-violence represent a more harmonious approach to social change, while Sandip's revolutionary zeal prioritizes immediate action, even at the risk of violence and instability. The novel challenges readers to confront their own values and consider the ethical implications of their actions in the pursuit of societal change.

Personal Identity:

Bimala's inner turmoil and struggle to reconcile her roles as a wife, a woman, and a nationalist reflect the complexities of personal identity. Her journey highlights the challenges individuals face when their worldviews shift, and they seek to assert their individuality amidst societal expectations. Bimala's character embodies the transformative power of self-awareness and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of societal pressures. Her transformation from a submissive housewife to a self-assured individual challenges the rigid gender norms of her society and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Narrative Style:

Tagore's narrative style is both poetic and philosophical, infused with rich symbolism and deep emotional resonance. His lyrical prose immerses readers in the characters' thoughts and feelings, providing a multi-dimensional perspective on the events and their inner worlds. The novel unfolds through the perspectives of the three main characters, allowing readers to engage with the narrative from multiple angles and gain a deeper understanding of their complex motivations and actions.

Traditionalism vs. Modernity:

In Rabindranath Tagore's novel ‘Home and the World,’ the characters grapple with the tension between traditional values and modern ideas. Traditional values provide stability and continuity, while modern ideas foster innovation and progress. The novel suggests that a harmonious society can be found by balancing these two forces.

The novel is set in early 20th-century India, a time of great social and political upheaval, and the characters grapple with the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing world. The novel's exploration of traditionalism vs. modernity is not a simple dichotomy between two opposing forces. Instead, Tagore presents a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal, acknowledging the value of both tradition and modernity in shaping a society. He recognizes that the preservation of traditional values can provide a sense of stability and continuity, while embracing modernity can foster innovation and progress.

Conclusion:

In ‘Home and the World,’ Tagore masterfully weaves together themes of nationalism, gender, and personal identity, creating a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the transformative power of self-discovery amidst a society in flux. His nuanced portrayal of these themes challenges readers to confront their own beliefs and consider the ethical implications of their actions in the pursuit of societal change. Tagore's poetic and philosophical narrative style further enhances the novel's depth and resonance, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the characters' thoughts, feelings, and the transformative journey they undertake.

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