In class this week, we discussed the relatability of Bakha as a main character. Because Mulk Raj Anand describes him as superior in ability and looks to the other untouchable males, some found him a bit more relatable. I, however, could never put myself in his shoes not only because of the manual labor he has to do, but also because of his lack of voice and power he has in his community. In a community like Severn, kids are able to speak up and stand up for what they believe. In the community in which Bakha lives, he is at fault for everyone’s problems and basically serves others as a slave. I could not even imagine sweeping a public latrine, let alone being paid nothing for it! I almost think it is selfish to try to compare oneself to Bakha. Being treated as less than human is something I have never and will never experience. On the contrary, I do think that maybe someone could compare one’s feelings of suppression or lack of representation and voice to that of Bakha. But, for someone in our community to compare his/her life to Bakha’s life would be foolish because of the extent of Bakha’s plight as an Untouchable and the daily recurrence of alienation and torture he faces in his society.
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