EXAMINING SOCIAL DISINTEGRATION, CORRUPTION, AND THE EMERGENCE OF THE SELF-MADE MAN IN ARAVIND ADIGA'S 'THE WHITE TIGER'

Abstract

A scathing portrayal of Indian society is presented in Aravind Adiga's "White Tiger," where the story of Balram Halwai's moral deterioration andat the same his social ascension through corruption and crime is narrated. Deep-rooted social inequalities are exposed through a critical lens, and the desperate measures taken by an ambitious but impoverished young man to achieve upper-class status are thoroughly examined. The protagonist's corruption is shown to be initiated during his employment in Delhi, where the intricacies of bribery and manipulation in the corridors of power are observed. His moral degradation is evidenced by the serious crimes that are committed, including murder and theft, all of which are portrayed as necessary steps in his social climbing. A damning picture of Indian society is painted, wherein political patronage and monetary gain are deeply connected and define as the playing ground of the corrupt affluent.  The nickname "White Tiger" is bestowed upon Balram to symbolize his exceptional nature - how societal barriers are broken by him. However, the success that is achieved through criminal means is presented as a reflection of a fundamentally dysfunctional society. The paper aims to point out the powerful narrative that provides commentary on contemporary Indian civilization, where moral corruption is depicted as the inevitable price of social advancement.