Essay On Childhood In Swami And Friends

1253 Words6 Pages

Abstract
The portrayal of childhood in pre and post-independence Indian writing in English
(A reading of selected novels: Swami and Friends by R.K Narayan and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy)

The image of childhood in the novels of post-independence era reflect troubled yet complex milieu of the Indian society and children’s struggle with the society. In pre independence era, the writers described the rainbow of the childhood, socio- political background of India and reflected the struggle of colonial period in India but, it has been marginalized to its peripherals. The writers in post-independence era take one step ahead by breaking up the previously established constraints. In this period the childhood portrayed struggling between …show more content…

At this point a child understands the value of relationships of family and community. Esta (Estappan) and Rachel were mistreated by their own family, their grand mother. Especially Esta was molested by Orange, lemon drinkman at the theatre. And both Esta and Rachel want to return to the happiness that they remember with their parents and family. In order to save his mother and protect his twin sister and the reputation of family in the society, and to gain the approval or acceptance of the family, Esta tells a lie to the Inspector, which he thinks is right. It is not that he is compelled to lie to the police by his grand mother, because he values relationships. Likewise when sophiemol came to Ayemenam, she offers friendship to Esta and Rachel, in spite of their hatred towards her. It is because she knows or values what is the family or the relationships.Esta and Rachel find ways out of difficult situations to save their mother and to protect their family’s status in the community. Finally Esta stands up for his family and returns to his father with the hope to be happy, if would be with the father and Rachel stays with her mother at her grandmother’s house

Open Document