PratidwandiOrient Blackswan, 2005 - 103 pages Pratidwandi, meaning 'adversary', is the English translation of the Bengali original by Sunil Gangopadhyay. The story is about a family living in Calcutta during the 1960s-- the mother, two sons, the daughter, and an uncle, who moves in at the death of the father. Having lost their tea estates, they are undergoing a severe financial crisis. Siddhartha, the central character, was able to complete his graduation, because his sister ,Sutapa, was persuaded to take up a job but at the cost of her own education. Siddhartha wishes to become a doctor, but there is not enough money to fund his studies at medical college. Attempts at getting a job prove futile and his sense of frustration and obligation deepen. The apparent immutability of the situation leads to constant bickering and fights in the family. Sutapa, forced into the role of selfless breadwinner, is fed up and in trying to find an escape route brings dishonour to the family-- the final blow to their dignity. The bleakness of the narrative is relieved by a streak of romanticism and an idealistic vision of a world once inhabited by Siddhartha. Satyajit Ray made this story into a film, drawn by the compelling characterisation of Siddhartha. |
Common terms and phrases
Adinath Ajayda Ananta Sanyal anger asked Siddhartha B.Sc Badal Balurghat Bangla began Behala Bengali Binu brother Calcutta Chhotokaka cigarette crowd darwans Delhi Deoghar door everything eyes face feel flat girl gone hair hand heard interview Kanpur Keya Keya's father Krishnanagar lady Lalbazar Latika laughing listen lived Malabika Maniktala minute Mother moved Nareshda never night once pocket police Pratidwandi quickly Ranaghat Ratan realised rupees sari SATYAJIT RAY Sealdah seemed Shiben Shibu shirt Siddhartha asked Siddhartha felt Siddhartha looked sister smile spoke stand stared stay stood stop street suddenly Sunil Sunil Gangopadhyay Sutapa talk Tapu tea-shop tell there's thing thought tone took Tultul Tunu turned Uncle voice waiting walked What's whole wished woman wondered word wore young