Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838-1894)
The Poison Tree
Indian
Realism
Benkim Chandra Chatterjee was an Indian author born in Bengal. His education was largely British, and he was one of the first to graduate from the University of Calcutta. His writing is groundbreaking for his work using European style prose in the Benagli language, something that had not been done before. He incorporates nationalist themes into his writing. He wrote Anandamath, a novel widely considered one of the most important works of literature in India, which contained “Bande Mataram” (“Hail to Thee, Mother”). “Bande Mataram” was so inspiring to the people that it was adopted by the nationalist movement. In his efforts, he combined Hindu heroes and patriotism that, in turn, inspired national pride in some of his countrymen, but did alienate some Muslim Indians. He serialized some of his writing in monthly magazine he founded, Bangodarshan. His novel The Poison Tree (Bishabriksha) first appeared serialized in that publication in 1873. His novel explores the moral dilemma of a love triangle between a man, his wife, and a young widow, which also explores of idea of widow remarriage.
Consider while reading:
- How does Chatterjee’s protagonist incorporate Hindu ideas and beliefs? Why is that significant?
- What social norms is Chatterjee questioning in his work? Why?
- What alternative does Chatterjee offer for widows? Why is that significant?
Written by Laura Ng