Home and the World

 Thinking Activity:- Home and the World

Hello Readers! This blog is a response to the thinking activity which was assigned by Megha ma'am from the Department of English, MKBU. In this blog we have to write about general introduction of writer, characters and critical note of the novel The Home and the World.

About the Writer:-

Rabindranath Tagore:- 

Rabindranath Tagor was born in 7 may, 1861 and died in 8 August, 1941. He was an Indian poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosophers, social reformer and painter. He reshaped Bengali literature and music as well as Indian art with contextual modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of the "Profoundly sensetive, fresh and beautiful" poetry of Gitanjali, he becomes in 1913 the first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was a fellow of the Royal Asiatic society. 

He is a Bengali Brahmin from Calcutta with ancestral gentry roots in Burdwan district and jessore, Tagore wrote poetry as an eight year old. Tagore Modernised Bengali art by rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic structures. His novels, stories, songs, drama, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali and Ghare-Baire are his best known works. His composition were chosen by two nations as national anthem: India's "Jana Gana Mana" and Bangladesh's "Amar Shonar Bangla". The Sri Lankan national anthem was also inspired by his works.

His notable Works are as below:-

• Gitanjali
• The Home and the World
• The Post Office
• Amar Shonar Bangla
• Glimpse of Bengal
• Balaka
• Gora

About the Novel:-

The Home and the World:-

"The Home and the World" is a Novel written by Rabindranath Tagore. The novel originally written in Bengali language under the title Ghare Baire in the year 1916 by Rabindranath Tagore. The novel illustrates the battle tagore had with himself, between the ideas of western culture and revolution against the western culture. 

These two ideas are portrayed in two of the main characters, Nikhilesh, who is rational and opposes violence, and Sandip, who will let nothing stand in his way from reaching his goals. These two opposing ideals are very important in understanding the history of the Bengal region and it's contemporary issues.

The Novel was translated into English by the author's nephew, surendranath tagore, with input from the author, in 1919. In 2005 , it was translated into English by sreejata guha for penguin books India. The Home and The World was among the contenders in a 2014 list by The Telegraph of the 10 all time greatest Asian novels.

Characters of the Novel:- 

• Bimla Choudhary
• The Sister - in - low
• Sandip Mukherjee 
• Amulya
• Nikhilesh Choudhary 

Critical Analysis of the Novel:-

The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore is a novel that explores the various themes , including nationalism, identity, love and clash between tradition and modernity. Here is the critical note or analysis of the novel.

Complex Characters:-

One of the strengths of the novel is it's well developed characters. Tagore creates characters who are multi dimensional and undergoes significant growth throughout the story. Nikhil's rationality and tolerence, Bimla's transformation from a traditional wife to an empowered woman, and sandip's charisma and radicalism all contribute to a rich character driven narrative.

Exploration of Nationalism:-

Tagore provides a critical examination of the nationalist movement in India during the early 20th century. Through the characters of Nikhil, who advocates for a more moderate and inclusive approach, and Sandip, who represents a more radical and militant perspective, Tagore presents a spectrum of ideologies within the nationalist movement. This allows readers to contemplate the complexities and moral dilemmas associated with the fight for independence.

Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity:-

The novel delves into the theme of tradition and modernity, particularly through the characters of Bimla. Her journey reflects the struggle faced by many women in a patriarchal society as they grapple with societal expectations and their desire for personal freedom and self expression. This conflict is a recurring theme in Tagore's works and is portrayed with great sensitivity.

Narrative Style:-

Tagore's prose is poetic and lyrical, reflecting his background as a celebrated poet. His writing style adds depth and beauty to the narrative, making it a work of both literary and philosophical significance.

Universal Themes:-

The Universal Themes is in the context of early 20th century India, It's themes and conflicts are universal. It speaks to broader issues of Love, loyalty, individuality, and the struggle to balance personal desires with societal expectations, making it relevant to readers across cultures and time periods.

The Role of the Women:-

In Rabindranath Tagore's novel "The Home and the World", the role of women is a central and complex theme that is explored through the character of Bimla and, to some extent, through other female characters as well. The novel provides a critical examination of the evolving roles of women in early 20th century India during a period of political and social upheaval. 

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, 'Home and the World' by  Rabindranath Tagore is a masterful work that provides a thought - provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships, the evolving roles of women in society, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the multifaceted nature of nationalism. As a critical examination of the human experience and society's complexities, "The Home and the World" continues to be celebrated and studies for its enduring relevance and profound insights. It challenges societal norms and encourage critical thinking about the intersection of personal lives with political and social movements.